(rough riders) by (arthur martin jr.)(rough riders) by (arthur martin jr.) arthur martin jr. 2492 w....

(ROUGH RIDERS)by

(Arthur Martin Jr.)

Arthur Martin Jr.2492 W. Gregory St.Apache Junction, AZ. 85220480-982-6603

FADE IN:

INT. STATE PRISON / CELL BLOCK - DAY

CLOSE ON TRACKER. Big, strong, handsome man in earlyforties. Convict in prison clothes. He puts a well-wornStetson on his head and pulls it tight. CLANK! The cell door opens. He follows the GUARD.

EXT. STATE PRISON - DAY

Maximum security prison with barbed wire walls amidst greenfields under cultivation. MOVING CLOSER. Excited SOUNDS of a riot? CRANE over concertina wire. Discover “riot” is an EXCITED CROWD at a prison rodeo.

JUDGE John Garrett settles into his seat. Garrett is midsixties, ailing, needs two canes to walk. Thick glasses makehis eyes appear larger than they are.

INT. PRISON ARENA - DAY

Inmates herd horses into bucking chutes. They wear prisonclothes. Only one wears a cowboy hat. A BIG HORSE tries to turn back. Two Inmates block his path. He rears and strikes with his front feet.

ANGLE - Garrett

watching with peculiar fascination. A loud CRASH from thechutes draws his attention.

ANGLE - CHUTES

as the devil horse goes over the barrier. Inmates are thrownto the ground. Others scatter to escape flying hooves. Oneinmate does not turn away. It is Tracker. Tracker jumps to the top rail and grabs the horse's head. With a powerful twist he jerks the head up and grabs an ear in his teeth. The horse struggles, but Tracker drags him to his side of the chute.

Garrett watches. Other Inmates help Tracker. The horse is subdued. Tracker climbs up as saddle comes down to the animal's back. The cinch is tightened. Tracker stands on the rails above the horse and looks down at the men around him.

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERThis is my last ride boys. Lets doit right!

He lowers himself to the saddle, grips the rope and measuresthe neck. He nods. The gate swings open. The horse EXPLODES.Tracker digs in with his spurs then rakes the shoulders.

It is a spectacular ride. The brute twists, sunfishes. Snorting, stomping. The horse rolls, Tracker stays in the saddle. The beast rears over backward, Tracker rolls free then bounds back to the saddle before the horse regains it's feet. A superb display of athleticism. Crowd reacts.

INTERCUT - GUARDS, WARDEN and Public cheer and admire as the horse slows, then stops. Beaten. Tracker swings down.

ANGLE On

Tracker as he walks back to the chutes. Sees Garrett. The look exposes an ambivalent past between these men. Something less than friendship.

EXT. STATE PRISON MAIN GATE - DAY

Tracker walks toward us on the other side of a chain linkfence. Prison garb is gone. He wears blue jeans, westernshirt, and a felt cowboy hat, pulled low. He carries an oldmilitary duffle bag over his shoulder. He stops when hereaches the gate and looks back.

The SOUND of the electric gate turns him toward the CAMERA.Tracker steps from prison onto the parking lot of freedom.

A WHITE FORD TRUCK waits. Tracker sees it. Slings his bagand heads the other way. The Truck pulls forward and alonghis left side. Judge Garrett is driving. Tracker ignores him.Long awkward silence.

GARRETTLet me give you a lift.

TRACKERDon't need anything from you, Judge.

GARRETTJust into town.

2.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERI'll walk.

GARRETTIt's a ways.

TRACKERWhat the hell more you want fromme?

GARRETTMake sure you're OK. That’s all.

Tracker stops. Incredulous.

TRACKERYou locked me away for five years!In a room smaller than your truck!How could I be OK?

Tracker turns and walks away. Garrett follows.

GARRETTYou got a job?(Silent look)Condition of your release says youneed a job.(Silence)We need one more wrangler to bringin some mustangs.(Silence)You still sit a saddle like yougrew there.(Silence)Fifty a day plus expenses. No morethan a week. Counts on your parole.

TRACKERWhy're you doing this?

GARRETTCause you need a job. And I needthe horses. And we both knowjustice isn't always fair.

EXT. STREET NEAR HOUSING PROJECT - DAY

Garrett and Tracker moving. Garrett slams the brakes to avoidhitting JASON RODALE (14) and a RAT PACK OF FRIENDS. Jasonis big for his age. He flat slams the hood and gives Garrettthe bird.

3.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

We get a good look at this face. He is tough andstreet wise. We will see him again.

JASONHey stupid! Learn to drive or getoff the road.

Tracker is introspective. Garrett patient.

EXT. YOUTH ROUGH RIDERS RANCH - DAY

The white truck exits the pavement and turns onto a dirtroad. It passes a hand painted sign.

ARIZONA YOUTH ROUGH RIDERS, HOME OF THE MUSTANGS

Tracker trades looks with Garrett. Rough Riders is an eclectic mix of old and new but mostly borrowed. Weathered ranch buildings from turn of the century stand in the rocky foothills of the Superstition Mountains.

The truck passes an arena, horse pens, small tack rooms andbarns, in various stages of renovation or construction. Thereare 20-30 people working. Most are teenagers or adolescents.Assorted ethnicity.

Feature LISA (15). She is a shy, mysterious wisp of a girl.Tracker and Lisa connect for a moment. IMAGES fill Tracker'smind.

TRACKER’S MIND’S EYE IMAGE

For a fleeting instant LISA is another teenage girl inanother time and place. Only this girl lays on the ground broken and limp.

Garrett stops the truck by a forty foot trailer in the shadeof a clump of Mesquite. The JERK brings Tracker back. Wrought iron furniture. Pleasant place. Garrett grabs his canes and struggles out. Tracker follows.

GARRETTYou can stay here tonight. Head outin the morning. Conway will getyour gear.

A lanky wrangler named DICK CONWAY arrives. Judge exits.

INT. TRAILER - DAY

Tracker opens the door and throws his duffle inside the

4.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

trailer. Takes a look. Remnants of wranglers past.

MOVING with Conway.

TRACKERWhat are all the youngsters doin’ here?

CONWAYThe Judge's way a savin' what'sleft of the world.

TRACKERWhere they come from?

CONWAYTrouble. The courts. Detention.Messed up homes. Officially they're“Community Service Volunteers”.

Conway and Tracker reach the tack shack. Conway grabs aweathered A-FORK saddle and plunks it on a rail.

CONWAY (CONT’D)In truth, they're a bunch a dangdelinquents.

TRACKERFrom Garrett's court?

CONWAYThat's it! Sets it up so they can“ do time” workin’ here, 'sted agoin' to jail. One last chance toget a life, you know!

Conway grabs a bridle and hangs it over the horn.

CONWAY (CONT’D)That should do ya.

Tracker's reaction to the saddle betrays a painful memory.

TRACKERWhere'd you get this?

CONWAYWho knows. We take what we get.It's the one Judge said to give ya.

Tracker touches the scarred leather. Almost reverently. He

5.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

swallows an old emotion.

CONWAY (CONT'D)Pick yerself a couple of horsesfrom that bunch there. See ya inthe morning. Be leaving at four.Ridin’ by daylight.

EXT. SOUTHWEST DESERT -- WILD HORSE - DAY

MOVING. Blur of wild horse's feet enter frame. Reveal BLUEROAN STALLION, running hard and low, neck stretched,ears pinned, teeth bared as he runs directly over us.

EXT. INNER CITY-WILD KID - DAY

CRASH! Jason Rodale smashes into frame. He and the RAT PACKcrash down an ally fleeing an unknown misadventure. They arewinded, laughing, and hell bent for trouble. They sprawl overa parked Lincoln.

EXT. SOUTHWEST DESERT - WILD HORSES - DAY

Other horses appear. We are in the middle of a stampede ofwild horses. The horses are driven by Wranglers below andHelicopter above.

EXT. INNER CITY - WILD KID - DAY

Jason spots keys in the ignition. Scrambles behind the wheel. The Rat Pack is reluctant. He mocks them.

JASONHey chickens.

A couple of them jump in as he starts the engine and slams itinto gear.


A high panoramic shot of the wild mustangs running across thedesert below.

FEATURE Tracker riding hard. FREEDOM!


6.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

The car spins out, smacks a post, and disappears. The rat pack splits in three directions.

INSIDE - Jason is wild eyed.


Tracker rides hard to catch the horses. A BLUE ROAN STALLION breaks away from the herd and runs off at an oblique angle.


The Lincoln sideswipes a cop, clips a parked car and careensaway. The stolen auto is progressively trashed in the chase.The cop does a 180, siren blaring.


Tracker follows the Blue Roan. The stallion ducks and divesthrough the creosote and cactus. Tracker plunges his horsedown a hill, defying death.


Jason is a young James Dean playing chicken with the law andhis life. The CHASE is on!


Tracker’s horse stumbles. He loses fifty meters on the stallion. With a shout of exhilaration, he spurs his horse over a ledge.


Jason is caught up in the rush of the chase. Cops chase theLincoln onto a narrow street, force it over an embankment andonto the old canal road. Two motorcycle cops erupt fromnowhere to head Jason off.


Tracker swings wide to the right, finds an open space wherehe can unleash his horse and cuts off the stallion.

7.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


Jason sees the trap. He cranks the wheel hard, crashesthrough the fence and tries to four-wheel up the embankment.


Tracker brings his horse to a stop. The wild horse andTracker study each other for a beat. The stallion rears,then turns and lunges down a steep embankment into a narrowcanyon.

The Blue Roan is trapped in the blind canyon. He turns toattack. Tracker faces him. The Mustang King runs directlyat Tracker. Fury drives him. Intelligence stops him.

Wranglers ride in. The helicopter blocks the entrance. Thegreat horse thrashes to and fro.


The Lincoln rolls and ends in the canal with a dusty splash.Jason is caught.


The Stallion runs into the trap, a broad corral of mustangpanels that narrow to a three foot chute and open stocktrailer attached to a semi-truck.


Jason pops out of the dirty water choking, gagging, spitting.Cops run furiously along the banks and wade in from twosides.


Tracker rides up to the trap. Conway and Todd Williams runfuriously to close the end of the corral before the horsescan turn and escape. The Blue Roan charges them as they swingthe last panel into place. Whew!

TODD Why didn't you let that broom-tailgo? We almost lost the whole herdwaitin' for you to get him in.

8.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Tracker slips from the saddle and ties to the rail of apanel.

CONWAYYou must have a death wish ridin'like that.

TRACKERJust needed to know if I stillcould.

Smith and Conway watch the magnificent stud. Conway breaksout a flask. Offers Tracker a drink.

CONWAYWell, it was somethin'.

Tracker declines the offer with the tell-tale words...

TRACKERNot today...

TODD I wouldn't want to be the first kidto try to throw a rig on him.

Tracker's look is a question. ”What kids?”

CONWAYThat's what these flea bittenBroom tails are for, ya know?Garrett's kids!

TRACKERIt's not certain anyone can breakthat horse!

TODD Yeah, well, Garrett's idea a breakin' a wild kid is givin' him a wild horse.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS RANCH - DAY

Wild horse bucking. YOUNGSTER trying to stay on it's back.Staff and Delinquent Teens look on.

MOVING with Todd , Conway and Tracker. They ride to thecorral, dismount and pull saddles. Tracker observes the action as he walks.

9.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Garrett watches from the rails. Coughs. Holds his chest.Getting worse.

GARRETTDid it go well?

CONWAYSame. Another rangy bunch a' broomtails. Few good horses maybe.. oneat least. BLM will check 'em andwe’ll truck them in on Friday.

The YOUNGSTER is thrown and almost stomped by the bronc.TRACKER moves faster than we'd expect. Puts himself betweenthe horse and the kid. Kid gets away. Close call!

MARGARET STYLES enters frame behind Garrett. She sees thewhole event. Styles is a bureaucrat you love to hate. Her hair is pinned to her head like a cap with a bun in the back. JOHN CHALET, her demure obedient assistant, hangs back by the car.

STYLESYou won't be happy until you killsomebody will you, Judge?

Garrett is surprised by her comment. Turns.

GARRETTOn the contrary Ms. Styles, I'mtrying to keep them from killingthemselves.

STYLESYou don't have a single statecertified psychologist in the wholeplace.

GARRETTI call not having on of those... gentlemen, a good start toward recovery for some of these kids. If we can keep them out they might have a chance!

STYLESSucceed? Keeping pathologicaldelinquents on the street is allyou're doing. The State haslegitimate institutions for youthcorrection.

10.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTYou think it helps to send childrento prison?

STYLESRehabilitating disturbed youth isnot for “part-time” amateurs.

GARRETTWell, full-time bureaucrats are notthe answer. I have seen yourresults. A revolving door thatleads to bars and cages.

Garrett turns as if the conversation had just ended.

STYLESYou'll make a serious mistake tounderestimate me, Judge Garrett.

GARRETTDo you have any idea what isreally going on out here? Yousee that young man over...

STYLESOh, I think I do. I think I reallydo. Every one else may be willingto look the other way becauseyou're the “grand old Judge of the12th district”, but not me! Not me!

Tracker takes an unusual interest in the conversation. A small circle has gathered.

STYLES (CONT’D)You'll run out of strings to pulland when you do I’ll shut you downand put your precious juvenilecriminals behind bars!

Reactions of the teenagers to Styles' comment, “preciousJuvenile Criminals”. Styles struts to her car. Chalet opensthe door. She turns and announces.

STYLES (CONT’D)If you try to protect one morecriminal by trading jail time for aweekend at your “dude camp” I willsee you off the bench and them inJail where they belong.

11.CONTINUED:

INT. MARICOPA COUNTY JAIL - NIGHT

CLANK! Jail door is opened. A still soggy Jason is shovedinside. CLUNK! Jail door slams closed. The room is occupiedby other young hoodlums. Curious ethnic mix. It is dark.

Jason steps on BUSTER, a big boy for his age. Big Mistake. BUSTER leaps up and SMACKS Jason without warning. TWO GANG MEMBERS step from the shadow and grab Jason's arms. BUSTER pounds Jason in the stomach. Then again, and again. He grabs Jason's hair and jerks his head back. Face close.

BUSTERWatch who you step on, punk!

Cell door CLANGS. Jason pushed aside. He slumps on the floor.JAIL DEPUTY appears at the bars with a slip of paper in hand.

JAIL DEPUTYRodale?

Jason half crawls to his feet.

JAIL DEPUTY (CONT’D)I called the number you gave me.Your old lady said she ain't comingdown.(Chuckles) )Says you don't deserve bail.

INT. HORSE BARN/VET CLINIC - NIGHT

Garrett does not look well. He opens a refrigerator, extractsa hypodermic needle, draws insulin and gives himself aninjection. He whirls as door THUMPS open. Tracker enters with the old saddle. Garrett feels compromised. Tracker turns to go.

GARRETT(Finishing)

It's all right. Medicinal purposesI assure you.

TRACKERI didn't know.

GARRETTNo one does. Funny thing aboutgrowing old, Tracker. Up here

(taps head)

12.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

I'm still 25. But my body hasfallen apart.

TRACKERHow did you get this?

GARRETTIt was in the back of the truck thenight of the accident. After thetrial, well...Judges have theirways. I figured she'd want you tokeep it.

Awkward moment.

GARRETT (CONT’D)Come on up to the office, I'll getyou paid.

Garrett walks with his canes. At the door he stumbles. Hislegs collapse and he tumbles into a corner. Tracker rushes to him. Garrett's eyes drift. He gulps air then comes around.

TRACKERYou alright?

GARRETTYes. Thank you. Just cheated deathonce more I guess. If you couldhelp me up I'd...

Tracker lifts and steadies him. Garrett settles on an old boxto catch his breath.

GARRETT (CONT'D)It wouldn't be good if anyone - youknow - found out that I...

TRACKERI got no cause to talk.

GARRETTThe State Juvenile Authority willbe overjoyed to find out I'mfinally on my last legs.

TRACKERYou'll be alright.

13.CONTINUED:

GARRETT (CONT'D)

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTThose mustangs get here next week.Nobody could teach more aboutbreaking horses than you could.

TRACKERSounds more like breakin’ kids thanhorses.

GARRETTWhat would it take to get you tostay around?

TRACKERTo break horses, or baby sit?

GARRETTI need someone to take over whereI'm leaving off.

Tracker stands up.

TRACKERYou got the wrong man.

GARRETTNo. You're the right man. I studied you close over the last five years. You’re the man I want.

TRACKERWhy me? Why do you think that I...

GARRETTBecause you're a good man. And youhave a reason to care about whathappens to these youngsters!

Tracker POV - Through the open doorway. Lisa with her horseGENERAL. He hefts the saddle and turns to go.

TRACKERI need to be moving on. Ican't...

GARRETTJust think about it. Why don't youvisit the courtroom tomorrow?

TRACKERLast time I came to your courtroom,I got five years.

14.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTThis time you get lunch.

Tracker amused by Garrett's tenacity but shakes his head and exits.

GARRETT (CONT’D)Use the pickup. Be there by ten. Doit for Mandy!

Tracker stops but doesn't look back. Then, slowly walks on.

INT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT

Tracker sits on his bunk. The door crashes open and JOE SHIPMAN enters. Grey hair and thin beard cover a deeply tanned face from years in the sun. He carries a heavy SOOGAN on his shoulder and a POSSIBLES bag in his other hand. (Soogan: A heavy bed roll used in a bunk house. Not carried behind a saddle.) He throws his load on a bare spot on the floor.

JOEJudge told me to bunk here with you. Name’s Joe.

Tracker, slightly startled, stands and offers his hand.

TRACKERI’m Tracker. Not much room in here. Only one bunk.

Takes a long look at Tracker’s outstretched hand.

JOEDon’t know if I like you yet... An’ I don’t need no bunk.

He unrolls his soogan, drops his hat on the floor and lays down. Tracker shrugs and sits back on his bunk. Joe is already asleep.

TRACKERCowboys!

15.CONTINUED:

INT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE - MORNING

Joe wakes and stands. Tracker is gone. He rubs his eyes and picks up his possible bag, rummages through and takes out a sheaf of WHITE ENVELOPES. He studies them for a beat, then tucks them under his soogan.

EXT. SHOT MARICOPA COUNTY COURTHOUSE - DAY

The Court House is a large red brick building with whitecolumns supporting a gabled canopy. Carved in granite on thegable...

MARICOPA COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Styles and Chalet wait on the steps. They are joined by TWO MEN IN DARK SUITS. Even before they reach her, she turns and leads them inside.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

Garrett raps the gavel to quiet a murmur. Jason stands before the bench. He glances at his mother. EMILY RODALE (35) is attractive in a neglected sort of way. She does not acknowledge Jason’s pleading look. Jason eyes Buster and five gang members in the custody of the JUVENILE OFFICER.

Tracker enters and takes a seat in the back. Garrett smilesto himself.

GARRETTWill Emily Rodale come forward please?

Heads turn. People shuffle. Emily stands and stepsforward. She glances about self consciously. Her eyesconnect with Tracker and hold a fleeting instant.

GARRETT (CONT'D)Mrs. Rodale. You are the mother ofthe defendant. It took five phonecalls and a deputy to get you here. Can you help me understand that? Your son is in serious trouble.

16.

(CONTINUED)

EMILYI don't know why I have to behere at all, he's the one that...

GARRETTHe's been kicked out of school ninetimes since fifth grade. Today it'sTheft, breaking and entering,malicious destruction, unlawful flight to avoid arrest and driving without a license. How old are you Jason?

Jason is silent and defiant. Garrett looks up as Styles,Chalet, and the Two Suits enter the court room.

EMILYHe asked you a question.

(Awkward pause)He's fifteen next month.

GARRETTYou've admitted to the chargesJason, so I’ve nothing to do butdetermine your punishment. But Iwould like to know what you'rethinking.

(beat)What's wrong, son?

Tracker listens with curious fascination. Styles whisperswith Suits. Jason stares ahead. Eyes blank. Ears closed.Mind shut. His hands are stuffed in his baggy pants. Garrettstudies him.

GARRETT (CONT’D)Jason? These are serious crimes.The law allows that..

JASONI don't care what you do to me.

Garrett trades looks with Emily. She is disconcerted. Toolate to be a Mom. Garrett trades looks with Tracker thenStyles. She warns him with her eyes.

17.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTYou are herewith ordered to pay for the damage you caused and sentenced to the youth correctional facility at Adobe Mountain for a period of five years and...

Gloating. Styles thinks she has intimidated Garrett into aproper sentence.

EMILYBut your Honor. I'm the one. I meanthe cost of the damages will...

Garrett holds up his hand for silence. Styles goes pale. TheSuits buzz and whisper.

GARRETTJason, YOU will pay for the damage,but I am suspending your sentenceon condition that you perform two years of probation and two thousand hours of community service at a location determined by this court.

Styles stands.

STYLESIf I may address the court yourhonor.

GARRETTYou may not address the court.

STYLESThe State Department of JuvenileServices can not support yourblatant disregard of appropriateJuvenile Corrective Servicesprovided by the State and...

Garrett raps the gavel so hard she stops.

GARRETTMs. Styles, when you become a judgein this court you may do whateveryou like. Meanwhile, you will sitdown... and shut up! Another outburst and you’re in contempt!

Tracker smiles.

18.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

STYLESThat young man is a criminal. Heneeds punishment and discipline. Heis a danger to society.

GARRETTBailiff!

Styles sits abruptly.

GARRETT (CONT’D)There are some, it would seem, whowould like you “hanged”. Time willtell who's right. Meanwhile, Mrs.Rodale, you will see to it thatJason reports every day at the timeand place given. Fail to show up,Jason, and you go to the youthcorrection facility at AdobeMountain. That's a gentleeuphemism for “PRISON”. Do youunderstand?

EMILYI'm a single parent! I've got notime to drive him all over theplace. He's the one who broke thelaw, it's not fair that I'm the onethat...

Garrett's eyes sharpen with anger. Bailiff and Recorderexchange knowing looks with a wink.

GARRETTMrs. Rodale! You will see me inchambers. Court is recessed forfive minutes.

Garrett and Emily leave. Silence in the courtroom. Muffled voices from inside Chambers.

Tracker watches Jason. Jason feels it. Locks eyes with him.Emily exits chambers. She is visibly shaken. Jason stealsanother look at Tracker

Garrett returns to the bench. THUMPS his gavel.

GARRETT (CONT’D)Be seated! Jason, your mother has agreed to drive you where you need to be, when you need to be there.

19.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

You're in your mother's custody--(under breath)for the first time it would seem.

(Raps gavel)Bailiff, take custody of Ms. Styles. She can begin her 24 hours for contempt now. Maybe she’ll learn something! Courts adjourned.

Margaret’s face turns to stunned stone.

EXT. PARKING LOT -- MARICOPA COUNTY COURTHOUSE - DAY

Tracker at the pick up. Sees Emily and Jason. She drags himtoward the car. He fights her. They are yelling. Trackerhears them as they draw near.

EMILYWhere am I going to get seventeen hundred dollars? I go on a dateand you go on a rampage that...

JASONYou're always on a “date”.

Emily smacks him hard across the face.

EMILYYou watch your mouth! Do you knowwhat the judge said? If you screwup I'm the one in contempt ofcourt. You mess up your life andI'm the one that pays for it!

Jason aware of Tracker listening. Humiliated. Emily islikewise suddenly aware of Tracker. She pushes Jason into thecar and SLAMS the door. Tracker impacted.

Garrett hobbles on crutches aided by the Bailiff.

GARRETT(slaps his legs)

They quit on me. Got all clottedup. Knew it was coming.

As Jason and Emily drive away.

GARRETT (CONT'D)You can save that boy's life.

Tracker gives him a hard look. Garrett holds a brown paperbag aloft.

20.CONTINUED:

GARRETT (CONT’D)

(CONTINUED)

GARRETT (CONT'D)Ready for that lunch I promised?

INT. TRUCK - DAY

MOVING. Garrett hands Tracker half a deli sandwich from abrown sack.

GARRETTTurkey with swiss? I didn't say a“great lunch”, I said “lunch”.

Tracker grins, takes the half sandwich and a bite.

TRACKERYou're not the same judge who sentme to prison.

GARRETTSending teenagers to prison has away of changing a man. Whatchanged you, Jake?

TRACKERIt wasn't iron bars.

GARRETTNo, before that I mean.

TRACKERNo value in lookin' back.

GARRETTUnless it helps us to see ahead.

TRACKERI don't much like looking eitherway.

GARRETTYou paid for your mistake. Right orwrong. Now you have to forgiveyourself. Your daughter is gone,but these youngsters are alive.They still have a chance.

Tracker looks at Garrett sharply. His mind rolls into a ...

FLASHBACK:

21.CONTINUED:

EXT. HIGHWAY

Flashes of the auto accident that took Mandy’s life. Tracker kneeling on the ground holding a lifeless body. His face twisted in wretched agony.

END FLASHBACK

INT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE

Joe stashing his belongings on a makeshift shelf. Tracker storms in slamming the door. Angry.

TRACKERI knew I never should a come here. Now he wants me to run this place for him! Who the hell am I to take care of these kids?

Joe doesn’t stop or look up from what he’s doing.

JOEYeah? I reckon the only time doing the right thing counts is when you don’t have too. But then, there’s more to bein’ a man than just callin’ yourself one.

He turns without looking at Tracker and leaves. Tracker stares after him.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - DAY

Emily arrives with Jason. She is late. Garrett checks hiswatch and scolds her with his eyes. Other NEW ARRIVALSare waiting. Buster among them. He and Jason eye eachother warily.

Veteran Rough Riders look on. Feature Lisa. Jason catches hereye. Other “veterans” include BRUISER and CRAIG.Judge hobbles forward to greet them.

INT. TRACKER'S TRAILER - DAY

Tracker is packing his stuff. Considers his old STETSON.Encounters a picture of Mandy with the saddle. It stops him.

22.

INT. HAY BARN - DAY

Jason and new arrivals gather for “orientation”. Garrett, Conway and Smith are present.

GARRETTThis is not a prison. This is notjuvenile detention or a “youthcorrectional facility”. You arehere for “community service”.

EXT. DIRT

ANGLE - CLOSE ON Tracker's boots walking.

INT. HAY BARN - DAY

The kids shuffle around not really wanting to be there.

GARRETTThe name “Rough Riders” comes fromTeddy Roosevelt and the FirstVolunteer Calvary in the SpanishAmerican War. They were heros of mine. Rough Riders came from different places and differentbackgrounds. Just like us. They learned to work together, and stick together to the end. We will, too.

EXT. DIRT

ANGLE - Tracker's boots.

INT. HAY BARN - DAY

The kids look at each other like “No way.”

GARRETTI want you to remember one thing.You are here because I believe inyou! I believe in you because Iknow that somewhere inside you havethe power to be whatever youimagine in your dreams. That may sound corny to you, but...

23.

(CONTINUED)

Tracker looms in the door like an apparition in the dusty sunlight streaming from behind. Moment between Garrett and Tracker.

GARRETT (CONT’D)(Feeling his way)

Tracker here....will help you withyour horses... and your lives ifyou'll let him!

Tracker, hesitant, unsure of himself, steps forward. He stands quiet for a long BEAT. It turns uncomfortable. Then...

TRACKERI know a lot about horses and alittle about kids. Far as I’mconcerned whatever happens here is up to you.

Tracker walks among the “recruits”. Jason lights up. Looks at Tracker with a cocky tilt to his head. In b.g. Joe enters and leans against the wall in a dark corner. He has a rope in his hand that will always be there. Watches Tracker intently.

TRACKER (CONT’D)I'm new here myself. I’m not sureabout all of the rules so I’ll bemaking a few of my own.

Tracker roughly snags the cigarette from Jason's mouth. He pulls the pack from his pocket and crushes it in his hand.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Now you know one of them. “Nosmoking!”

ANGLE - Conway as he slips a Bull Durham from his lips and snuffs it under his boot.

TRACKER (CONT’D)No booze. No drugs. And no cussing!

CONWAY(Under his breath)

I feel like he's puttin' ME onprobation!

TRACKERThe number one rule is honesty.Tell the truth. You don’t lie to me, I won’t lie to you!

24.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Scanning faces of the Rough Rider recruits.

TRACKER (CONT’D)I'm an x-con! (Stir) I spent fiveyears in prison. Trust me. Youwouldn't like it. If you're honestwith me, I can help you make sureyou never have to find that out the hard way.

BRUISER, a girl determined to be a tom boy, bursts into the barn - interrupts the gathering. Steals the moment.

BRUISERHey, Craig's going for it! Ohhh,sorry.

GARRETT“Going for it” takes priority!

A stampede as kids run for the door.

EXT. RIDING ARENA - DAY

Todd leads a red roan mustang forward. Everyone gathers to watch Craig ride. Good natured cat-calls come from the growing crowd.

Tracker, Garrett, Bruiser, and the crowd of new recruits from the barn join the spectacle. Jason stands near Tracker, next to Lisa.

CRAIG is a big lanky eighteen year old. He wears boots, hat, jeans and roping spurs. He is a curious contrast to the new recruits in their street gang garb.

TODD Didn't you get enough yesterday?

CRAIGNope! But I’ll handle it today. I feel like I can ride anything with hair and four legs.

A crowd gathers as the word spreads. CATCALLS from faceless kids.

AD LIB 1Hey man, ya gotta hold your mouth right.

25.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Pull your hat down tighter, cowboy!

AD LIB 2

Anybody explain this to the horse?

AD LIB 3

Put some Velcro on your butt, Craig!

BRUISERTry not to hurt anything... important!

Crowd laughs. Craig is obviously well liked. The horse stands, head down, indifferent. Todd hands Craig the rope.

TODD Step up easy now. Don't plop likea sack of potatoes. Set her slowand steady. Grab the off-sidestirrup fast as you can.

Craig gives a nervous nod to Todd. Steps to the stirrup. Tests his weight. Swings to the saddle. The horse doesn't even lift his head.

TODD (CONT’D)He's plumb gentle today.Nudge him with your spurs. See ifhe don't “wake up” a little.

CLOSE ON Craig as he turns his heels and pokes the horse with the rowels. WHAM! The horse EXPLODES! He catapults himself and Craig straight into the air.

The crowd sprawls for cover from bucking hooves. The horse spins, twists, and jumps. Lisa pulls Jason back. Moment between them. Tracker watches the action with amused delight.

Fans shout. Craig rides. The horse dips and turns. Craig is sitting on air. CRUNCH. He hits the ground hard. He disappears for an instant in a puff of dust. With Craig out of the saddle the horse stops bucking as if nothing in the world happened. Everyone is laughing and applauding.

26.CONTINUED:

CRAIG (CONT'D)

(CONTINUED)

CONWAYYou stayed with him longer thistime.

CRAIGThe end was the same.

Craig gets up. Dusts off. Todd swings into the saddle and rides the horse toward the pens.

CRAIG (CONT'D)How do you do that?

TODDIt's the spurs, partner. Some horse don’t need’em. This one won’t tolerate the steel.

CRAIGWhy didn’t you tell me?

Todd looks at Craig. His face turns serious. He looks at the others gathered around. Gives the lesson.

TODD He's your horse! I never tell another man about his horse unless he asks me. It’s rude. I figured if you wanted to ride bad enough, you’d ask. I only told you so’s you wouldn’t break your fool neck. No shame in askin’ for help or advice when you need it. Only, be sure your askin’ the right person. Ask a person who doesn’t know any more than you, all you got is blind leadin’ blind.

Craig grimaces. When he looks up he's smiling again.

CRAIG(Shaking his head)

All I had to do was ask!

JASONYou ain't goin' to catch me riding one of those dog food piles a shit.

A CLANK covers the word. We know what he said. Tracker looks at him. Jason bites his tongue. Garrett delighted.

27.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERNo...that's a horse. But come on,I'll teach you something about theother.

Joe stands in the back ground smiling.

INT. STABLES - DAY

An enormous mound of horse manure. Scoop shovel in, manure out and into a wheelbarrow. A bitter Jason pays the price for cussing.

INT. GENERAL'S STALL - DAY

Lisa grooming her horse's legs. Jason passes with the overloaded wheelbarrow. General stretches out and nibble-nips Jason's ear. It SCARES him to death. He over-reacts, upsets the wheel barrow, slips on the floor and falls. Leaps up. Grabs the scoop shovel, draws back for a mighty swing.

Lisa rages from nowhere. She attacks, screams and pounds Jason with her fists and currycomb.

LISAStop that! Are you crazy? Youidiot. What are you trying to do?

Rough Riders materialize from nowhere. Buster among them. Jeers, laughs. Tracker grabs Lisa's flailing arms.

LISA (CONT'D)He was trying to kill my horse.

JASONHe bit me.

LISALiar!

Lisa pulls free. Eye to eye with Tracker. She turns to General. Comforting.

Buster throws a small blob of wet manure in Jason's face.

BUSTERHey Rodale, you got somethin' onyour face... right here.(Everybody laughs)

28.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Jason smacks him on the side of the head with a hand full of manure. SPLAT! Buster enraged. Steps forward. Tracker steps in.

TRACKERGo back to work! All of you!

BUSTERYou're toast, pal!

Tracker turns to Lisa and General.

TRACKERYou OK?

Lisa distant. Studies him.

TRACKER (CONT'D)My name is Tracker. I'm sort of...

LISAYou're helping Judge Garrett untilhe dies.

Tracker at a loss for words.

LISA (CONT'D)I’m, Lisa. This is General.

TRACKERPleased to meet you, General.Could sure use an extra wranglerwhen we cut those Mustangs. Youhandle it?

LISAWe can handle it.

ANGLE - Jason shovelling shit. Really mad. Tracker enters frame.

TRACKERTell me your name again.

JASONJason.

Tracker pulls up his sleeve. Displays a vicious scar on his hand and lower arm.

29.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERYa see that, Jason? Came from taking my anger out on the wrong thing. Lot of energy in anger. Important to learn what to do with it.(A beat)Might want to apologize. At leastto the horse.

JASONTo he...heck with her horse!

He catches his language in the nick of time.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS-- FRONT GATE - MAGIC HOUR

Jason waits for his Mom to pick him up. Garrett invades the solitude.

GARRETTMom picking you up? She’s late.

JASONDon't get her in no trouble,alright?

Jason pushes past the judge on his way to the road.

JASON (CONT’D)I'll just, you know, meet her partway.

Garrett grabs his arm. Holds tight.

GARRETTIf you go part way, and she goes part way, you can meet in the middle. Life’s a lot easier there... You understand?

Jason pulls away. Hold on Garrett who looks back.

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

Jason walks alone. Tracker passes in the pickup and stops.

TRACKERWant a ride?

Jason takes a moment to decide. He throws his pack in the

30.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

front seat and climbs in. Tracker pulls out. Awkward silence.Jason picks broken skin from blisters on his hand.

TRACKER (CONT'D)Badges of honor.

JASONHuh?

TRACKERBlisters! Only way to get them is to earn ’em.

Jason considers Tracker. Tracker opens the glove box andpulls out a well used pair of leather gloves. He tosses themto Jason.

TRACKER (CONT’D)You did a good job today.

Jason pleased. Unaccustomed praise. The first hint of a smile appears.

EXT. JASON'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Low class neighborhood. Small frame house. Peeling paint.Sagging wire fence. Grass needs mowing. Old bike with no rearwheel sits upside down. Pick up truck pulls up.

INT. TRACKER'S PICK UP TRUCK - NIGHT

Jason gets out. Exchanges looks with Tracker. Feature backpack left behind as truck pulls away.

INT. JASON'S HOUSE - NIGHT

No pictures on the walls. No frills or nick-knacks.No decorations. No baby pictures on the T.V. No family Bible.No picture album on the coffee table.

Jason enters dark hallway. POV through door intokitchen. Refrigerator door opens. The stark white lightintroduces us to MERV, pouring booze. Half drunk. Merv is a40ish, unkempt, transient truck driver type. Armpits.Undershirt. Big belly.

MOVING POV into kitchen. Merv puts his arm around Emily andhands her a drink. Both are startled as Jason enters. Emilycompromised and embarrassed.

31.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONYou were supposed to pick me up.

EMILYOh my gosh. I completely forgot.Merv came over and I...

MERVHey, Jason.

JASONScrew you.

Merv pokes Jason. Threatening.

MERVYou watch your mouth you little...

Jason knocks his hand away. Hard.

JASONGet your filthy hands off a me.

MERVI'll kick your butt is what I'lldo.

Merv shoves him hard into the wall. Jason fights back infrustration and anger. Merv slaps him hard, slugs him andknocks him down. Draws blood. Emily leaps into the fray. Fighting for Jason.

EMILYStop it. You leave him alone.

MERVI'm gonna bust his head.

EMILYNo!

She struggles to keep Merv off Jason. He's rough with her.Shoves her aside.

MOVING - Jason reaches into a secret place on top of the refrigerator. Grabs a hand gun and points it at Merv.

Merv too drunk to be afraid. He picks up a skillet. Emilygets between them. Screaming. Pleading. Crazy moment ofpanic. Merv with his arm around Emily. His shield. Advances with skillet.

32.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

MERVGo ahead, shoot you little bastard. Go ahead! Who you gonna kill, your mother?

Jason's anger and frustration blinds him. He can't shootMerv. He turns the gun on himself. Puts it to his head.

EMILY(hysterical)

Stop it! Please, Jason put it down.

MERVDo it. You gutless wonder!

EMILYFor God's sake Merv, leave himalone. Stop it, please!

MERVDo it! You can't even kill yerselfya worthless little turd.

CLICK! Jason pulls the trigger. Everything stops. Stunnedsilence. Emily frozen in time. Merv grabs the gun and twists it from Jason's hand. Jason sags to the floor.

MERV (CONT’D)Can't blow your brains out with anempty gun, stupid!

He pops the cylinder. Six shells drop out. SLOW MOTION ontofloor. Merv is stunned. No bluff!

KNOCK at the door. Moment of confusion. KNOCK! KNOCK! Mervstuffs the gun. Emily goes to the door. It is Tracker with Jason's back pack.

TRACKERJason left his pack in my truck. Igave him a lift.

EMILYOh, I know. I, ah. I'm sorry. I wassupposed to... something came upand.. I'll be there tomorrow..

Tracker POV - Emily and beyond. Jason rising from the floorwiping blood with the back of his hand. Merv's back as heexits.

33.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKEREverything all right here?

EMILYFine, just a little, you know...

TRACKERSee ya tomorrow Jason. Night.

Tracker knows it's not alright. Door closes.


CLOSE ON shell. Jason's hand picks it up. We see it is dentedoff center. The pin missed the primer. Fist closes on bullet.

CLOSE ON trembling, troubled boy.

INT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT

Joe sits on his soogan, his back against the wall. His right foot on his left knee as he ropes it continuously with a PIGGIN STRING. Tracker enters. Exhausted. Flops on his bunk and pulls his hat over his face. Joe grins without looking at him.

JOETough doin’ the right thing. Ain’t it?

Tracker lifts the brim of his hat and looks at him.

TRACKERYou talk too much!

He jerks his blanket over his head and rolls to his side. Joe ropes his foot one more time. Still grinning.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - MAIN GATE - DAY

Parents and guardians drop youngsters. Older kids arrive incars and pick ups. Lisa argues with her STEP FATHER.

STEP FATHERI don't want you staying out here so much. I've told you that.

LISAThen General has to stay with us.

34.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

STEP FATHEROut of the question. The last thingI need is some horse stinking upthe place..

LISAJust come and look at him.

STEP FATHERI just want you to finish yourhours, and come home.(Uncomfortable sweetness)Look honey, I just want to takecare of you, not some smelly animal. Come here.

Tracker POV - Sees Lisa's Step Father hug her. She stiffens at his touch.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - NEW ARENA - DAY

Craig lifts a heavy digging bar from the pick-up. He handsit to Jason - a bit black and blue. It's weight nearly takeshim off his feet. The work crew building the new arenaentails a dozen youngsters, including Bruiser, Chad, andBuster.

CRAIGEvery place you see a stake we needa post hole.

The stakes are spaced ten feet apart in an oval a hundredfeet around. Jason sighs.

JASONHow long you been doing this?

CRAIGCouple a years.

Jason incredulous.

CRAIG (CONT’D)Oh, I finished doing “my time” ayear ago.

JASONYou don't have to be here?

CRAIGSomebody's gotta show yougreenhorns how to dig holes.

35.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Lisa arrives. Scowls at Jason. Buster bumps Jason as hepasses. Deliberately knocking him off balance and into a hole. Craig grabs Jason. Buster struts for Lisa.

BUSTERSorry Dude.

ANGLE - CHAD AND BRUISER

Chad and Bruiser argue as they work. Chad is teasing. Bruiseris mad.

CHADThey never let the girls ride therough stock. Only toothlessswaybacks!

BRUISERYou are so lame.

CHADI'm just an “ole fashioned boy”. Inthe kitchen girls are fine. On ahorse? Geez, they don't know asaddle from a skillet.

Bruiser grabs a fence post laying on the ground, swings itlike a club - aims for Chad's butt - he dodges too late. Shewhacks his knee. Chad falls to the ground grabbing his leg.

BRUISERI know where you're butt is.

CHADYou could've busted my leg.

BRUISERNext time I'll bust your head.

CRAIGDon't cripple him, Bruiser. We gottoo much corral to build.

BRUISERWell, I can ride anything he canride. Anything!

ROAR of trucks interrupts the scene. Three semi tractors withstock trailers arrive in a cloud of dust.

36.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

CHADHere comes your chance toprove it.

EXT. HORSE CORRALS - DAY

WILD MUSTANGS scramble down the ramp and into the corral.Tracker, Conway and Todd wrangle, drive and separate. Dust,noise, excitement. Lisa helping. Tracker gives her instructions. She nods with new determination.

Magnificent spectacle of horses and wranglers. Excitedyoungsters pick their favorites.

AD LIBS

That's mine! No way dude.

Look at that one.

I get the white one.

That guy will kick the crap outta ya.

ANGLE - BLUE ROAN

EXPLODES inside the trailer. The last of the Mustangs.Refuses to come out. Kicking, snorting, busting a hole in theside. Rivets everyone's attention. Tracker rides into trailer. Ropes the stallion and pulls him out. He rears and kicks and takes out a section of fence. Another rope from Joe and they stretch the horse between them. It’s a perfect thirty foot throw that Tracker notices.

Youngsters scramble.

CHADHey Bruiser, there's your horse.

EXT. MUSTANG CORRALS - DAY

The gathering. Youngsters are slung on trucks and fences.Wranglers are mounted and ready. The mustangs mill about in the corral. The Blue Roan has been isolated in a separate pen. Snorts. Kicks. Wants out. Garrett watching.

37.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTThese are your horses. You'll getyour pick according to your number.Choose well.

Tracker passes his hat with numbers on bits of papers.Each takes one and reacts. Bruiser draws number 3.

AD LIBS

I'm first. Yes! 29? No way. Yahoo. Etc.

CHADThere's one for you, Bruiser.

A sorry old sway back on her last legs.

BRUISERI got third pick lame brain, andthat's the one I want.

A sorrel stud horse, prancing, and throwing his head.

GARRETTStarting today you and your horseare the same person. You'll feedthem, take care of them, saddlebreak and train them... and you'lldo it on your own time!

Groans and AD Libs sweep the greenhorns.

CONWAYYou can sleep in the barn if ithelps.

GARRETTBut when you ride out that gate ona horse you broke and trained, yourcommunity service is over.

A CHEER goes up.

GARRETT (CONT'D)And if you stay and work a littleharder for one year... the horse is yours to keep. I’ll sign the papers over to you.

Lisa strokes General with deep affection. We suddenlyunderstand her connection with this horse.

38.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

ANGLE - TRACKER

holds his hat out for Jason. Jason does not take a number.

TRACKERMaking a choice's usually a wholelot better than taking what's left.

Jason walks away.

SERIES OF CUTS- YOUNGSTERS PICK THEIR HORSES

Youngsters point to the Mustang of their choice.Tracker and Wranglers, with the help of Lisa and “oldtimers”, rope, catch and halter horses. Some are docile. Someare spirited. Some require Wrangler's help. Joe is in the middle of everything, but he always watches Tracker.

TRACKER (CONT’D)That buckskin mare is ready tofoal. Cut her out.

Todd and Conway rope and separate the buckskin mare.[Samemare that foals later] Garrett looks on satisfied, but not feeling well.

Buster selects the oldest most broken down horse of the lot.

BUSTERGive me that sorry sucker. I'llride him outta here tomorrow.

ANGLE - BRUISER

points to the sorrel stud. Todd mounted by the fence.

TODD That's a stud darling. He's toodangerous for you. How about thatlittle black mare there. She's ahoney.

BRUISERI want that one!

INT.- HORSE BARN - DAY

Kids and/or Wranglers lead, drive or drag horses to the elaborate old turn-of-the-century horse barn with individualstalls and small yards for each horse. Joe helps Bruiser with

39.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

her spirited sorrel stud.

EXT. MUSTANG CORRALS - DAY

Jason digging a post hole. All alone. Anger, frustration. Tracker enters.

TRACKERWant to give me a hand with yourhorse?

JASONI didn't pick no horse.

TRACKERGuess the horse picked you, then. Last one left.

Jason's POV. The BLUE ROAN assaults the fence and bites atTodd .

TRACKER (CONT’D)No body wanted him. Ever choose upsides for baseball and be the lastone picked? Bet he feels likethat. Come on, I'll give you ahand.

INT. HORSE BARN - DAY

Tracker and Todd with Blue Roan on double ropes. Guides thehorse into a pen and closes the gate. Jason follows. Feelsthe first glimmer of fascination with this animal. Resiststhe feeling. Tracker writes JASON R. on a white card with a black marker.

TRACKERWhat you gonna call him?

JASONNothin!

TRACKERSorry name for a good lookin'horse. Try again?

JASONI ain't staying around here on myown time.

40.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERWell, that's up to you. Everythingis. Course 'til you got that horselickin' your hand and beggin' yato ride 'em, you'll be digging alot of holes. Now.. how about aname?

JASONHow about “Prisoner”? That's whathe is. That's what we all are.

Tracker writes PRISONER under the name JASON and nails itto the gate. The Blue Roan thrashes in his stall. Outside:Storm coming in.

MOVING - Tracker points things out.

TRACKERWater has to stay full, feed twicea day, hays there. You’ll clean his pen every day.

Throws him a currycomb. Jason too surprised not to catch it.

TRACKER (CONT'D)When he lets you use that on himyou'll know you're getting close.

EXT. HORSE BARN - DAY (RAIN)

It is Raining. Buster parks his Harley and looks into theHorse Barn.

BUSTER'S POV - A voyeur quality to the image. Lisa alone,grooming General with a currycomb.

INT. TRACKER'S TRAILER - NIGHT (RAIN)

Tracker cleaning quarters. Finds dusty old upright pianounder mound of clutter. Hits a key. Keeps working. Opens a cigar box bundle of old photos. Finds one of Mandy. Beyond, his eyes catch a half empty whiskey bottle. He picks up the bottle and looks at it

TRACKERNot today...

He throws the bottle in a garbage can. We hear it break. He leans the photo against the lamp.

41.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

ANGLE - PIANO

rag knocks dust and cobwebs away. Fingers touch the keys. Ithas been a long time. Tracker closes his eyes, plays.Improvised country blues drift into the desert night. Who would have thought?

EXT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT

Joe leaning back in a wrought iron chair roping his foot. Listening.

EXT. RANCH OFFICE - NIGHT (RAIN)

Jason on the pay phone. Seen from outside, his gesturesmirror his conversation. Music in the distance.

JASONYeah, don't come for me. I'm staying over. No, it's OK. Lot a kids do. There's something important I gotta take care of. Yeah, tomorrow. Ok, I know. OK!

Hangs up the phone.

INT. HORSE BARN - NIGHT (RAIN)

Lisa with General. She is startled by Buster who enters thestall behind her. Hair wet. Scary. Country blues in thedistance.

BUSTERHey, how ya doin’?

LISAI'm alright.

BUSTERYou staying here tonight?

LISA(lying)

No.

BUSTERI heard you always stay here.

42.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Lisa eyes Buster warily. Ducks under General's belly puttingthe horse between them. Buster ducks under the horses neck.

BUSTER (CONT'D)Want a joint?

He lights up. The horse reacts.

LISADon't strike fire in here. Are youcrazy?

She reaches out to extinguish the match. Buster grabs heraround the waist and tries to kiss her. She tries to get away from his touch.

BUSTERCome on. I know what you're like.

She ducks and spins away. He grabs her blouse. Rips it offthe shoulder. She stumbles into the corner. He traps her,moves on her. She fights, but can't bring herself to touchhim with the bare skin of her hands.

LISANO, don't, Oh God, please don't.Please don't touch me.

She sags to her knees trembling.

BUSTERTry me, you'll like me.

THUMP of Horse Barn door OS. Buster reacts. Slips out.Jason enters.

Lisa ,curled up into the fetal position, finds a rusty piece of barbed wire in the hay and begins tearing at her wrists.

Jason makes his way to Prisoner. Quietly, he unlatches andopens the gate. Eye to eye with Jason, the big horsetrembles. There is a magic moment between them. Jason waveshis hand. The Blue Roan leaps from the stall, dashes out ofthe barn and into the night.

WHINNNNEEEEY! Scares Jason half to death. Startles us. It isGeneral in a rage.

Jason goes to General's stall and sees Lisa inside. Opens thegate. Shoos the horse out. Lost in her strange psychosis,Lisa tears at her torn and bloody wrists with barbed wire.Jason tries to stop her. She’s repulsed by his touch.

43.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Outside. VAROOM of Buster's Harley starting up.

INT. TRACKER'S TRAILER - NIGHT

Tracker's playing interrupted by BANGING at the door.It is Jason.

JASONYou gotta come, man! Some girl'strying to kill herself!

Tracker and Jason run from the house. Joe follows.

INT. HORSE BARN - NIGHT

Tracker and Jason run to Lisa. Tracker drops to his knees,stops Lisa and tries to take the wire away. It is a struggle.Lisa recoils at his touch. The cuts on her wrists are ragged and bleeding but not deep.

TRACKERLet me have it. Give it to me.Come on Lisa, you'll be OK.(To Jason)Hold her!

Jason is wide eyed and scared. He touches her arm. Lisashrieks and shrinks away.

JASONI won't hurt you.

Moment of connection between Jason and Lisa. Stopped by VOICEOS. “DON'T!” It is Bruiser.

BRUISERDon't. Don't touch her, I'll do it.

Bruiser runs to them. She cradles Lisa in her arms and gentlytakes the wire from her hand. Patting her. Comforting.

TRACKERI'll call an ambulance.

BRUISERNo don't. And don't call her father, either. I mean, she'll be alright. I'll take care of her. She's only scratched. Go on. She'll be alright.

44.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Jason eyes Tracker. Tracker glances at Prisoner’s empty stall but does not react. GULP. Tracker puts a hand on Jason'sshoulder.

TRACKERI got it figured. You just likemaking life as tough on yourself asit can be... you know, being “bad”.But you just saved that girl'slife. Think about that.

Jason stares straight ahead, still shaking.

EXT. BARN

Joe watches Buster’s motorcycle disappear in the dark.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS RANCH - DAY

Garrett's car arrives. Styles, Chalet and The Suits arewaiting. Exchange looks.

EXT. NEAR HORSE BARN - DAY

MOVING - Garrett, now in a wheel chair trying to get away.Styles and entourage following.

STYLESI'm not asking! I am telling youthat Mr. Chalet will come and go ashe pleases. You will provide openaccess to every thing that's goingon and to anyone whom he requests.

GARRETTSiccing your dog on us?

STYLESMr. Chalet is a court appointedprobation officer for seven of yourjuvenile criminals, including JasonRodale.

GARRETTAh, so it's more like an “officialspy”

STYLESThe legislature is working to shutyou down by summer's end.(Suits nod agreement)

45.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Meanwhile, since you're unwillingto monitor these hoodlums, we will!

GARRETTYou speak English, Mr. Chalet?

CHALETLook, Mr. Garrett...Judge. I’m justtrying to do my job like everybodyelse. I am sure we can worktogether, cooperate and...

Garrett whirls around in his chair.

GARRETTNo! I don't think we can! Justbecause you are too blind, or tooignorant, to understand thatyour programs are failing does not make me willing to cooperate. You can do what the law allows, but I warn you that....

STYLESAre you threatening us?

GARRETTYes, Ms. Styles. You better be squeaky clean with the law. Just over step a little bit and it won’t be for twenty four hours! That’s just my way of saying goodbye.

He wheels away.


TRACKERYou gotta finish here in tenminutes. Work starts at nine.

Rough Riders feed, water, and fuss over their new horses. They are picking names, hanging signs, “personalizing” theirstalls. Conway, Todd, and Joe help with spirited horses.

ANGLE ON- CHALET

in suit with clip board enters the Horse Barn at the far end.He tries to be inconspicuous. That's impossible. Tracker strolls past the stalls. Interacts with youngsters.

46.CONTINUED:

STYLES (CONT'D)

(CONTINUED)

CLOSE ON hand painted sign on the ground. Jason “Prisoner”.

Tracker picks it up. Sees the empty stall. Jason is insidesitting on a box. Long awkward silence.

TRACKERWhy?

JASONHe didn't want to be here.

Lisa passes with General. Her wrists are bandaged. She pausesand listens in. Bruiser is with her.

TRACKERNever get out the gate withoutthat horse, son.

JASONHe’s gone.

TRACKERBetter get him back.

JASONI can't get him.

TRACKERNot sitting there.

Lisa is interested and amused by dialogue. She eavesdrops.

JASONBut he's gone!

TRACKERWon't go far. We got his mares.

JASONBut I don't know how. I mean Ican't, I...

TRACKERPays sometimes to think about theconsequences before ya up and dosomething stupid.

Tracker throws him a lariat. Loop end goes around his neck.Tracker sticks the sign back on the gate. Then, turning back,puts his old Stetson on Jason's head. Jason jerks it off andholds it in his hands.

47.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Chalet passes Lisa. Stares at her wrist. He bumps intoTracker.

CHALETOh! Sorry! I was just... I'm BruceChalet, with the, uh, State Juvenile Corrections Department and...

Tracker pushes past.

CHALET (CONT’D)You look familiar to me.

TRACKEREasy mistake. All cowboys look thesame.

Chalet studies him as he walks away. Dawning of recognition?

EXT. DESERT MOUNTAINS - NEAR RANCH - DAY

Jason with lariat over his shoulder. Surveys the landscape.Endless desert, rocks, arroyos and Superstition Mountains.

SERIES OF SHOTS - JASON SEARCH FOR PRISONER - DAY

Each shot is designed to visually exploit the magnificentlandscape. Each SHOT of Jason's search is in a differentlocation. He never sees the Blue Roan.

-- Sun hot.

-- Jason puts the Stetson on.

-- Heat waves rising.

-- No water.

-- Falls. Cuts knees and hands.

-- Encounters a rattlesnake. He runs.

-- Finds hoof prints at a water hole.

-- Last light. Staggering into Rough Riders.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - LATE AFTERNOON

Jason, exhausted, parched, and tempered, returns. Mom is

48.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

waiting.

INT. MOM'S CAR - LATE AFTERNOON

EMILYI waited over an hour! You thinkI've got nothing better to do?Where were you? I asked around.Did you ditch out?

Jason sags, so weary of his life.

EMILY (CONT'D)Damn it Jason, if you screw this upfor me I swear I'll...

JASONFor you? If I screw it up for you!This isn't about you!

EMILYYou know what I mean.

JASONWould you like to know what I didall day? Would you like to knowabout this (shows bloody leg). Doyou care one bit about my life?

EMILYYou don't appreciate me at all! Ihave no life because of you andthat's the thanks I get.. I...(Catches herself)What did happened to your leg?

Jason looks at her a long moment.

EMILY (CONT’D)I would like to know what you didall day. Really.

EXT. CAR

Jason doesn't quite trust her. He puts the Stetson on andStares out the window. The car pulls away

Tracker steps from behind a bush and muses over mother and son.

49.CONTINUED:


Jason digging post holes. Lisa rides up on General. Lays onthe big horse's neck, loving him.

LISAI know where he is.

JASONHuh?

LISAYour horse.

JASONIt's not “my” horse.

LISAGeneral knows.

JASONWhere?

LISAI can show you.

JASONIs your a... you know, your “arm” OK?

She turns and rides away. Jason picks up his pack, hat andlariat and follows.

The event is not unobserved. Tracker sees it. Busterwatches. Chalet steps from the shadow checks his watch andmakes a note.

EXT. DESERT - DAY

Lisa rides. Jason walks.

ASSORTED ANGLES

Spectacular locations. Different than the day before.Lisa trotting. Jason almost jogging to stay up.

JASON (CONT’D)Whoa. I gotta stop for a second.

He plops down. Lisa turns back.

50.

(CONTINUED)

JASON (CONT’D)How about riding double?

LISAGeneral won't.

They consider each other. Lisa rides on.

EXT. RIDGE ABOVE VALLEY OF MUSTANGS - DAY

Lisa rides General down steep embankment. Jason follows,slipping, sliding. Out of breath.

Lisa stops and points down into a narrow red rock ravine.

LISA (CONT’D)He'll come to the water.

Jason crawls to the edge and looks down. Small box canyon with green grass and a spring.

Jason looks back. Lisa is gone. She and General crest theescarpment and ride away.

EXT. VALLEY OF MUSTANGS - DAY

Jason climbs downward among massive red boulders. He waitson a ledge above the spring. Time passes. Shadows move.

The Blue Roan appears. Jason tense and excited. He creeps along the rocky ledge. Stallion edgy below. Boy loosens the loop. Thinks about it. Wraps one end of the rope around his waist.

Insects sing. Mosquitoes buzz and bite. Jason waits. TheStallion leaves, then returns, and finally walks below theledge. Jason plants his feet and drops the loop. It lands across the horses face. The stallion bolts and whirls. The noose settles around his neck. The Blue Roan rockets away.

SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY

Jason FLIES from the ledge. He lands in boggy ground at thewater's edge and bounces along behind the fleeing horse. Herolls as the rope unwinds and pulls away. He is left in thebottom of the wash; scraped, grated, rasped and bruised, androlled in mud and dust.

The Blue Roan shakes the rope. He stomps back and glares at

51.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

the boy. They are eye to eye once again. The Stallioncharges; teeth bared, nostrils flared, straight at Jason!

Jason scrambles up the rocks for his life. The Blue roan slings his head. Laughing maybe?

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - NIGHT

MOVING - Garrett with Tracker, Conway and Todd .

GARRETTYou'd better go find him.

TRACKERMight do him good to figure it outon his own..

CONWAYCould be in trouble.

TRACKERYou can grow some from that kind oftrouble.

GARRETTWhat if he's hurt?

TRACKERYou can grow from that, too. But, like ya said, Judge, I better gofind him.

Tracker turns. Joe is standing there with two saddled horses. Hands the reins of one to Tracker.

TRACKER (CONT’D)(Irritated)

Are you a shadow, or what?

JOEYup.

Tracker steps into the saddle. Chalet intrudes unexpectedly.

CHALETI heard one of your juveniles islost. Sent into the desert“without supervision”.

52.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTMost of the Rough Riders are lostMr. Chalet, one way or the other...that's why we're here.

CHALETThat man is so familiar to me. Whatis his job exactly?

GARRETTTracker? Ah... Doctor Tracker? He'sour a... Social psychologist,brilliant really. Psychologist.

The Judge offers him a “drink”.

CONWAYEver drink lemonade while you're onduty, Bruce ?

Chalet grimaces and leaves.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS CORRAL - NIGHT

Jason appears. Tired and thrashed, but strangely exhilarated. The Stetson is missing. Tracker and Joe ride up to him.

TRACKERLooks like you found him.

JASONI can't catch him. No way.

TRACKERYou lost my hat!

JASONHe almost killed me.

TRACKERShouldn't of let him go.

JASONDid my mom come?

TRACKERTold her you'd be sleeping here.

Jason studies Tracker’s face, unsure of himself here. Joe rides away.

53.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONI can't get him back. It'simpossible.

TRACKER“Impossible” is only impossible ifwe think it's impossible.

JASONWell I don't “think” it'simpossible, I “know” it's impossible to catch that horse by myself!

TRACKERDidn't say you had to do it byyourself. Just said you had to doit!

JASONYou guys will help me?

TRACKEROnly if you ask.

JASONYou said it's “my” problem.

TRACKERIt is, but you can't get throughlife alone. (Beat) No shame inneeding help, Jason... shame is notknowing when to ask for it. Everread the good book?

JASONThe Bible? No.

TRACKERSaying in there somewhere about;“Pride goeth before destruction,and an haughty spirit before afall.”.

JASONYou talking about me or the horse?

TRACKERMaybe you. Maybe the horse. Couldbe I'm just talking about me.

54.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONI know where he is.

Tracker pulls the saddle and heads for the tack room. Jasonwonders, then GETS IT!

JASON (CONT'D)Will you help me catch him? Please! Will you “please” help me!

Tracker keeps walking. Smiling. Stops on “please”

TRACKERTake more than two of us. Findanybody else to help you. I'll ridealong.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS -- WORK PROJECTS - NEXT DAY

Rough Riders building corral. Fixing Fence. Working on thePole barn. Jason talks as they work. Tracker looks on fromtime to time as:

SERIES OF CUTS - JASON RECRUITING HIS TEAM

-- JASON TALKS TO CRAIG - Craig nods yes

-- JASON TALKS TO CHAD - Chad pantomimes the right way to

throw a rope. His way of saying yes.

-- JASON TALKS TO Conway - Nods yes.

-- JASON TALKS TO BRUISER - Shakes his hand and says yes.

-- JASON TALKS TO BUSTER - Buster bullies him a bit. Says no.

-- JASON TALKS TO Joe - The Answer is sure

-- JASON TALKS TO OTHER ROUGH RIDERS - Some no. Mostly yes.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS CORRAL

Lisa with General riding in.

JASONWhere you been?

55.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

LISARiding.

JASONHow come they let you do your horseduring work hours?

LISAI finished my hours.

JASONYou can leave? Why do you hang outhere?

Lisa hugs General as if she didn't hear the question.

LISADid your horse come to the water?

JASONYeah, and then tried to kill me!

LISADid you talk to him?

JASONTalk to him?

LISAHe needs to know what you want.

She hugs General and whispers in his ear. Jason pats General.

JASONI want him to let me ride him outof here.

LISAHe needs to know how you feel.

JASONYou want to help me catch him?

LISAOK.

EXT. DESERT - DAY

MOVING - DUST, NOISE and excitement. The Rough Riders goafter Jason's horse. There are 6 riders, two pick up trucksand a barking dog. Tracker, Conway, the wranglers, Craig and

56.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Lisa ride. Jason and his “helpers” are in the back of a pickup. Todd drives a stake bed pick up and trailer to bring the Blue Roan home.

SERIES OF SHOTS - ACTION. CUTS

Locations feature beauty of the desert and mountainlandscape.

-- LOCATING THE HORSE. TRACKER POINTS OUT TRACKS TO JASON.

-- TRACKER GIVES ASSIGNMENTS WITH ARM MOTIONS TO ROUGH RIDERS ON HORSEBACK AND ON FOOT.

-- TRACKER'S PLAN TO CATCH HIM IN THE SALT RIVER.

-- BLUE ROAN NOT EASY TO TRICK NOR EASY TO CATCH.

-- HARD RIDING.

-- CLOSE CALLS. AT LAST THEY TRAP THE HORSE IN BELLY DEEP WATER.

-- TRACKER HANDS JASON THE ROPE. HE THROWS AND THEY PULL THE HORSE DOWN WHILE TRACKER PUTS ON A HALTER.

-- JASON RETRIEVES THE HAT HE LOST THE FIRST TIME.

-- ROUGH RIDERS URGE THE BLUE ROAN STALLION INTO THE TRAILER.

-- SUN GOES DOWN. EXHAUSTED KIDS AROUND A FIRE AT ROUGH RIDERS. PRISONER IN HIS PEN.


Jason eating in kitchen. Emily comes in. Dialogue takes placeas Emily works at rearranging some furniture in the smallliving room.

EMILYHow did you get home?

JASONTracker brought me.

EMILYI don't like you staying overnight.

JASONIt's just easier sometimes.

57.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

EMILYAre you up to no good?

Jason shakes his head and takes a bite of sandwich. Emilypokes her head in the kitchen to add emphasis to herquestion.

EMILY (CONT’D)What do you do out there at night?

JASONNothing.

EMILYDon't say “nothing”. You dosomething!

JASONWe like, have these horses to takecare of.

EMILYHorses?

JASONYeah, they're mostly wild but...

EMILYI rode when I was little.

JASONYou did?

EMILYI never had a horse, but my friendhad horses. Oh yeah, we used to ride all the time.

JASONYou ever talk to a horse?

EMILYYou mean like “Gitty-up” and“Whoa”?

Emily tries to move the couch. It’s very heavy. Jason moves to help her. He grabs one end of the couch. Emily surprised. They move the couch.

JASONYou want help, all you gotta do is ask.

58.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

He sounds for all the world like a miniature Tracker.

JASON (CONT'D)Any chance you can get me thereearly tomorrow?

Emily stares, too stunned to say anything. She nods.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - DAWN

Jason alone. Walks into Horse Barn.

INT. HORSE BARN - DAWN

Feeds and waters the Blue Roan. Buster rides his motorcycleinto the barn. Horses go crazy.

BUSTERYou seen Lisa around?

JASONTurn that thing off!

BUSTERSo who's going to make me?

He revs the engine louder. Horses panic, kick stalls, jerktethers.

WHIRLING SOUND.

A rope settles over Buster and in one snap he is jerked from his bike. He lands in pungent slime of the horse barn floor.

The Harley tips over with a crunch; sputters and dies. Joe holds the other end of the rope. Buster comes off the floor, ready to fight.

JOEI’m gonna make you! I see that bike in here again, it's going to disappear.

Buster pulls the rope off and gives Jason the evil eye.Buster lifts his bike. It’s heavy. No offer of help from Joe.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS/CORRAL - DAY

WHOMP! Bruiser's sorrel stud hits the fence. Conway has a

59.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

rope round front legs. Joe heels him and pulls him down. Both dismount. Todd snubs his back legs off to a post.

Bruiser is the first of a small group of Rough Riders whogather to watch. Chad joins her.

CHADWhat they doing to your horse.

BRUISERI don't know, they said he needed aminor “surgery” or something.

Chalet arrives in his car. Gets out and walks to the fence.Conway holds the animal down. Todd prepares a curiousinstrument.

The Wranglers are castrating the horse! The horseis not in favor. It kicks, bites, struggles. Before it'sover Conway and Todd are battered and bruised.

CHADThey're castrating him.

BRUISERWhat?

CHADThey're cutting his balls off soyou can ride him. (Laughs)

Bruiser dives into the arena. Chalet watches from theshadows.

TODD Stay back! Don't let him kick you!

BRUISERWhat are you doing?

JOE Just calming him down a bit,darling.

BRUISERYou can't do that! I want him wild.

TODD Just turning down his batteries a little is all.

BRUISERI can ride him the way he is.

60.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TODD Too dangerous. Not just for you,darling. Risky for anybody. It’s against the law to ride a stud with other horses.

ANGLE - BRUISER

reacts as the operation is completed.

CHADGive him a lobotomy while you're atit. Make him perfect for a girl.

ANGLE - CHALET

dials the pay phone outside the office.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS -- ARENA -- SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY

Conway and Todd help youngsters with horses. Tracker andGarrett looking on. Tracker looks toward the Horse Barn.


Jason, weary from work, opens gate and enters the pen withhalter. Prisoner retreats then charges. Jason tumblesbackward lashing out with the halter rope in involuntary selfdefense.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS -- NEW CORRAL - DAY

Jason working with others on the pole barn. Buster bumps himon purpose. The aggression does not escape Tracker who isworking beside them. Garrett arrives in his Bronco with MacDonalds hamburgers and drinks for everybody.

GARRETT Anybody hungry?

A whoop goes up.

ANGLE - JASON

by himself to one side. Lisa appears and kneels down besidehim.

61.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

LISAWant to see something?

JASONWhat?

LISAI'm not going to tell.

ANGLE - BUSTER’S

POV as Jason follows Lisa. His jealousy shows.

INT. MARE'S BARN - DAY

One of the old ranch buildings. Shafts of dusty light. Lisaenters. Jason follows.

POV - NEW FOAL

Minutes old. Tries to stand. It’s a blue roan. Teeters, falls, gets up again and suckles mother. Magic moment. Jason and Lisa smile at each other.

LISAI wonder how many horses were borntoday in the whole world?

JASONA bunch I bet.

LISABut this is the only one we careabout.

JASONIt's the only one we know about.

LISAWhat if it dies?

JASONIt's not gonna die!

LISAHow do you know?

62.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONLook. See? It found it's Mamma.

POV - THE FOAL -- Beginning to nurse.

LISAI like horses more than people.

JASONIt's because you talk to horsesmore than people.

It isn't funny to Lisa. She looks hurt. He takes her hand.Wrists still bandaged.

JASON (CONT’D)It's a joke. Sorry. It was dumb.

LISAA horse never betrays you the waythat people do.

JASONI like horses.

She looks at his hand touching her. Then pulls consciouslyaway, on purpose, but not reactively. Lisa leaves. He touchesthe new colt.

MATCHED CUT TO:


Jason contemplates the Blue Roan. It trembles.

JASONI'm not going to talk to you, soforget it.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS RANCH -- POLE BARN - DAY

Jason working. Sees Lisa. Exchange of looks.

INT. GOVERNOR'S MANSION - DAY

MOVING - SMALL GROUP of animal rights activists hurry to ameeting. T-shirts tell us who they are.

63.CONTINUED:

INT. LT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - DAY

as activists enter. Styles, Chalet and The Suits have LT.GOVERNOR'S undivided attention.

STYLESTo highlight the report, Lt.Governor, may I point out that...

LT. GOVERNORThe rumors that I can't read Ms. Styles are greatly exaggerated.

STYLESWell, of course, but I thought...

LT. GOVERNOR(To activists)

Come on up here.. right here by me.

A photographer snaps a picture. FLASH. The Lt. Governor ismore interested in good press. He adjusts himself and posesfor the camera.

LT. GOVERNOR (CONT’D)How about a one minute summary?

STYLESMr. Chalet spent three weeksdocumenting events at the socalled, “Rough Riders”. In thattime we have documented an Attempted suicide, a boy sent intothe desert alone, violation ofchild labor laws, sanitationviolations, 9 violations of OSHAregulations and several instancesof serious animal abuse.

Activists mugging the camera with the Lt. Governor.

STYLES (CONT’D)That's why I alerted both Friendsof Animals and the SPCA. Themethods of discipline areirrational. The programsexperimental. No clinical basis atall. In short, not only are theycoddling juvenile criminals, theyare abusing the land, abusing

64.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

animals, and I've saved the bestfor last. Mr. Chalet, please...

CHALETThe man identified by Garrett aschief “social psychologist” is infact, an x-convict, fromArizona State Prison! He has absolutely no business with disordered juveniles. Personally sir, I think the man is dangerous.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS RANCH - ARENA - DAY

CLOSE ON Tracker. Laughing. Being liked by all. He puts aSnub line on Chad's horse. Todd clings to his neck.Conway throws a saddle aboard. The horse jumps. Chad iswhite. Garrett watches from his chair.

TRACKERCan't train a horse until he'ssaddle broke. Lot of arguments 'bout the best way to do that. This is the way my grand daddy did it, so I figure it's good enough for me. Chad?

CHAD comes forward. Climbs aboard with Tracker's help. Todd lets go. The horse bucks. Chad sails with the first jump.

THUMP. He lands hard. CU SLO MO crash! Bruiser is there tohelp him up. Grinning.

BRUISERGive you a hand, Chad?

CUT TO:

Bruiser's sorrel stud. Same preparations.

TODD Why don't ya let one of us have ago at him first, Darling?

BRUISERWhat? Do you like, think you see adress on me or something?

Climbs aboard. Closes her eyes. Prays. Grips the rope andsaddle horn with “all four hands” and nods. Todd lets the horse go.

65.CONTINUED:

STYLES (CONT’D)

(CONTINUED)

The horse leaps high. She stays in the saddle. A CHEER goesup. Then so does she. CRUNCH. CU SLO MO crash.

CUT TO:

ANOTHER ROUGH RIDER takes a turn. Gets jolted and dumped tocheers and laughter.

CUT TO:

Buster climbs on a broken down nag. The ride is no problem.He flaunts his “superiority”. Rough Riders boo and laugh.

CUT TO:

Craig's turn to try again. Todd holds the horse. Trackergives him advice.

TRACKERHe comes up quick, stay back, don'tbe getting on his neck this time.

Craig climbs aboard. Catches Lisa's eye. Grins, grabs an earand whispers something to the horse, then winks. Lisa smiles.Jason sees this.

BOOM. Horse explodes. It jumps and spins and twists. It is agreat ride. The horse settles down.

CRAIGOpen the gate!

Arena gate swings open. Craig rides out of the arena, aroundthe yard, and out the main gate..

JASON'S - POV AND VISION

Images SLOW to dream like quality. In Jason's dream, it ishim on the Blue Roan riding to freedom.

CHEERING. Back to reality.

TRACKERWho's up for tomorrow?

THREE OR FOUR ROUGH RIDERS raise their hands. Yell the nameof their horses.

MALE ROUGH RIDER 1Steve Andrusolo on Dogmeat

FEMALE ROUGH RIDER 2Patty Roman on Gingerbread

66.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Jason raises his hand and steps forward.

JASONJason Rodale on Prisoner!

AD LIBSNo way. Not that horse. Jason'sdead meat!

TODD We gotta get you a different horseson. That Blue Roan too valuableto be cutting the pepper out ofhim.

JASONHe's my horse.

TODD Well, we say that, but...

JASON(quoting Tracker)

“ and the number one rule ishonesty.”

TRACKERHorse is the boy's responsibility.It's his call.

JASONI'm riding him tomorrow... outtahere!

AD LIBSWhoops and hollers. No way.

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

Emily's car headed home. Passes Burger King.

INT. EMILY'S CAR - NIGHT

Emily and Jason. Awkward silence.

EMILYWhat happened today?

67.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONNothing.

EMILYHungry?

JASONStarved!

INT. HAMBURGER RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Hamburgers served to Emily and Jason.

EMILYWant to see something funny?

JASONWhat?

Emily pulls a small snapshot album from her purse.CLOSE on TWO GRINNING GIRLS sitting on a horse.

EMILYThat's me.

JASONSo that's the “good old days” huh?

She whacks him with affection (for a change)

JASON (CONT'D)No, that's cool. You ever ridealone?

She turns the page. CLOSE ON EMILY AS CHILD on a horse.

JASON (CONT’D)Ever get bucked off?

Emily smiles, remembering.

EMILYOh yeah.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS / TRACKER'S TRAILER - NIGHT

Tracker playing the old piano. Joe watches from under his hat brim.

68.CONTINUED:


Tracker rides his horse into the barn with a coiled rope in his hand.

EXT. HORSE BARN - NIGHT

Tracker rides out of the barn with the Blue Roan in tow.

EXT. ARENA - NIGHT

Blue Roan snubbed to a post. Saddle put in place. Horsefrightened. Tracker swings into the saddle.

SERIES OF CUTS - RIDING THE BLUE ROAN

MOVING ACTION - The horse explodes. Tracker rides. Getsbucked off. Lands hard. Gets up and rides again. Over andover he climbs back in the saddle.


Tracker closes the gate and limps out of the barn. The sun is coming up. A rooster CROWS. Tracker heads for his trailer.

INT. TRACKER TRAILER - DAWN

He settles his beaten body into his bunk. Joe, from his soogan...

JOESure the judge is payin’ enough?

TRACKERShut up! I think I need a doctor...

KNOCK at the door. Incredulous! At this hour! KNOCK. Painfully to the door. Opens it. It is Jason.

JASONI need your help.

EXT. TRAILER - DAY

69.

(CONTINUED)

MOVING - Tracker exits with a plate of breakfast. Jason is“riding” the barrel, a 50 gallon steel drum hung on innertubes, mounted with a saddle. Tracker jerks the rope and thedrum “bucks” and “jumps”. Jason hangs on. Tracker shakes itharder until Jason is thrown. THUD into the dirt.

TRACKERNever a horse that couldn't berode. Never a cowboy couldn't bethrowed. It's mostly righthere.(Taps head) Balance. Forty percent of your weight in the stirrups, sixty on your butt and keep your mind in the middle.

CUT TO:

ANGLE - SERIES OF CUTS - BARREL

-- TRACKER SHOWS HIM HOW TO SIT THE SADDLE. THUMP!

-- HOW TO HOLD THE ROPE. THUMP!

CUT TO:

ANGLE - TRACKER AND JASON EATING BREAKFAST.

TRACKERA hurt horse knows two things, fight or flight! If you don’t hurt him, he doesn’t need either one of ’em. You got to understand what the horse is feeling at any given time. He has a language, and he’s talkin’ all the time. The way his ears move, the way he moves his body, everything he does is a message for you.

CUT TO:


Tracker shoeing horses. He stands and holds his fist like a boxer.

TRACKERPut your hand over my fist.

70.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Jason does. Tracker throws a punch. It merely pushes Jason backward.

TRACKER (CONT’D)When you walk around behind a horse, keep your hand on him so he knows where you are. The closer you are, the less power he’ll have in a kick. It’ll still hurt, mind you, but you stand a better chance of walkin’ away.

CUT TO:

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY

Preliminary hearing in session. Attorney droning on. FeaturesGarrett distracted. In pain.

ATTORNEY.. so it is impossible to assumethat the defendant was even in theautomobile that collided with thearmored vehicle, and certainlynothing we've heard today wouldjustify conjecture that...

GARRETTWith apologies counselor, I'mafraid I've taken ill. Court isadjourned until 9:00 tomorrow.

Bailiff helps Garrett to chambers.

INT. CHAMBERS - DAY

Bailiff hands Judge Garrett a glass of water.

GARRETTJust need to lie down for a fewmoments. I'll be fine. Thanks.

Bailiff exits. RITA appears at the other door.

RITAIs there anything you need JudgeGarrett?

71.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

GARRETTIf I doze off, wake me so I get toRough Riders by five.. I don't wantto miss... (drifts off)

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS -- ARENA - DAY

CRASH. The Blue Roan is snubbed to a post. Saddle tightened. Jason, stone faced and determined.

ANGLE - MAIN GATE

Rita arrives in Garrett's car.

ANGLE - ARENA

CLOSE ON Jason. Everyone unusually helpful. Lisa watches withunusual interest. So does Buster.

TODD Tracker tell you it's mostly inyour head?

Jason confirms with a nod. Looks at Tracker. Grinning.

CONWAYWell, it ain't'! It's mostly hangin’ on for dear life!

TRACKERIf you start to go, jump clear.

Jason swings onto the stallion. Too fast. The horse bolts.Jason falls between the horse and post. The horse panics. Jason scrambles under trampling hooves. Tracker's hand comes down. He grabs it.

Tracker pulls him out by one arm. Jason's head is bleeding. His face streaked in dust. Conway tries to calm him down. He jerks away. Frustrated, angry.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Why don't you do this later, son?

JASONCause I want to get out of here..even if it kills me!

He jumps onto the saddle and grips the rope and horn. The

72.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

horse bolts. Todd is knocked down.

Images become SLOW MOTION.

It is terrifying. Jason clings like a man possessed. He isthrown on the neck, falls back, thrown high, crunched on thesaddle. He is tossed sideways and clobbered by the horsesthrashing head.

He floats up and away. Carried in a slow motion dream. Then CRUNCH! The hard reality of earth.

The Stallion stops. Muses over his fallen master as if to say, “Hey, what’re you doing down there?”

As Tracker moves in the roan takes a defensive posture over Jason. Tracker backs away. The horse lowers his head. Nuzzles Jason’s hair, then slowly backs to the rail.

TRACKER(Muttering)

I’ll be...

He carries Jason out of the corral.

INT. BUNK HOUSE -- DAY

Jason semi-conscious on a bunk. Stripped to his pants.Clothes thrown over a chair. Joe plays paramedic. Bruiserhelps. Tracker and Rita are at the window conversing in lowtones.

Jason stirs.

JOE You OK?

JASONI think so.

TRACKERYou did well.. really prettyamazing!

JASONI lost your hat.

EXT. ARENA - DAY

CLOSE ON Tracker's hat thrashed and stomped in the dust.Lisa's hand retrieves it, shapes it, cleans it. Looks up.

73.CONTINUED:

ANGLE - MAIN GATE

Two black cars enter.

EXT. BUNK HOUSE -- BARN - DAY

Conway pokes his head in the door.

CONWAYBetter come out here. He Ok?

TRACKERHe's tough.

Jason loves hearing that.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS OFFICE - DAY

Tracker, Todd and Rita cross to Styles. A small group ofRough Riders gather and follow asking about Jason.

AD LIBS

Is he Ok? Will he be alright etc.

TRACKERHe'll be OK.

They reach Styles and company.

STYLESWhere's Garrett?

TRACKERIs this a social visit, Mrs. Styles?

STYLESAre you presuming to be in charge?

TRACKERWe kind of all work together here.

STYLESWe know who you are!

Turning to small group gathered.

74.

(CONTINUED)

STYLES (CONT’D)Do they know who you are?

TRACKERPerhaps we should arrange a timewhen Judge Garrett and you could...

STYLESYou haven't told them! Your “Mr.Tracker's” real name is JacobTrenk. At the moment, in violationof his parole from Arizona StatePenitentiary.

Tracker turns and walks away.

STYLES (CONT'D)We know what's going on here. We'dlike to take statements ...

Everybody follows Tracker. Tracker turns back. Face hard with anger.

TRACKERGet your records straight! I’m not on parole! I served my time...every damned minute of it.

CRAIGHe told us he'd been in prison thefirst day he got here!

Tracker walks away. Styles slaps her clipboard. Frustrated again.

INT. BUNK HOUSE -- DAY

Lisa enters. Joe is gone.

LISAIs he OK?

BRUISERGot a hard head.

Jason half sits. Lisa goes to him.

BRUISER (CONT’D)Be right back, okay?

Lisa nods, sits on the bunk. Gives him the hat.

75.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

LISAI brought your hat.

JASONThanks.

LISAThere's a better way to break yourhorse.

JASONWith a gun maybe.

LISAI thought you were dead!

JASONMe to.

LISADo you ever wish you were?

JASONDead?

LISAUh, huh.

Jason laughs.

LISA (CONT'D)You're making fun of me.

Jason touches her bandaged wrist.

JASONNo, I'm not... honest. I havebefore... thought about being dead.

Jason digs in his pants pulls the misfired bullet. Shows it to Lisa. She takes it.

JASON (CONT’D)Ya see that?

ECU dented bullet. Lisa's face.

JASON (CONT’D)That's the difference betweenliving and dying! My whole life isright there, in that little tiny

76.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

dent the pin made. It didn’t fire.

He groans and moves and touches his battered head.

JASON (CONT'D)Come that close to getting killedagain and living gets real important.

CLOSE ON Lisa as she slips her arm away and hands the bulletto Jason.

JASON (CONT’D)You keep it.

She looks at the bullet.

LISAThings can happen in life that areeven worse than dying.

JASONNo more dying, OK? You gotta helpme with Prisoner.

EXT. DESERT - DUSK

Tracker and Judge riding. The sun is going down.

TRACKERYou better find somebody else.

GARRETTThere is no one better. I believethat! I’m taking my last horseback ride with you. Can you imagine what will happen to these kids if Styles gets her way?

TRACKERShe seems pretty determined to stirup trouble over my being in prison.

GARRETTBut she misses the whole point.There's not a “real” socialpsychologist in the whole worldwho can talk about the reasons tostay out of prison like you can. If you want something really screwed up right, call in an expert!

77.CONTINUED:

JASON (CONT’D)

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERI may be a little more willing tokick butt and knock heads.

GARRETTNever give in to these People. These youngster's lives are too important. I won’t be here long. I need to know you’ll at least try! Promise me!

Tracker's visage is noncommittal for a long beat. Then, an almost imperceptible nod.


Lisa gives Jason a sack of apples. She puts one on apost. Prisoner eats. Jason gets closer and closer until Prisoner takes one from his hand. Tracker looks onwith a weary eye.

TRACKERThere’s a difference between feeding a mustang by hand and a domestic horse. He’ll come to expect that apple. You walk up with your hand out to touch him and don’t have it, he might take your arm off. Remember one thing. Ten percent of your horse’s brain stays wild! You never know when, or how, it’s going to show up.

SERIES OF CUTS - BREAKING OF THE STALLION

-- JASON - FIRST TOUCH. PUTTING ON THE HALTER AND ROPE. TRACKER SHOWS HIM HOW.

-- GETTING PRISONER ACCUSTOMED TO THE WEIGHT OF THE SADDLE.

-- TAKING THE BIT. TRACKER AND JASON.

-- RUNNING ON LUNGE LINE. TRACKER AND JASON

-- JASON ALONE WITH THE STALLION.

-- JASON SLEEPING IN THE STALL BESIDE THE STALLION.

-- JASON “SNEAKING” AN APPLE TO PRISONER.

78.CONTINUED:

EXT. RIVER - DAY

Tracker and Jason with Prisoner in the SALT RIVER. Jason in the saddle. Lisa watches. The water inhibits violence.

Prisoner thrashes, but Jason can stay in the saddle. Tracker yells instructions. Before the stallion is exhausted, Jason slips off.

ANGLE - BLUE ROAN

gets an apple from Lisa.

TRACKERYou're going to make a liar out ofme yet.

Lisa doesn't understand.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Training horses with apples.

LISADidn't you ever give your kidstreats? To make them be good.

Tracker taken aback.

TRACKERI gave them treats after they were good. As a reward.

LISAYou have kids?

TRACKERI did...once...

He turns quickly. Walks away without finishing.


Jason pats The Blue Roan. Strokes him with the currycomb.Slowly slips it under his belly. The leg twitches. The hidetrembles, but he allows it.

EXT. ROUGH RIDER'S ARENA - DAY

Tracker holds the saddled and bridled sorrel stud. Bruiser

79.

(CONTINUED)

stands nervously beside him.

TRACKERGet on him. Sit down easy in the saddle. Don’t plop down like a sack of potatoes.

Bruiser’s foot in the stirrup. She swings lightly and settles.

TRACKER (CONT’D)I don’t care what’s going on in your head right now, but I want you to relax from the waist down. Just sit!

Bruiser with deep breath. Tries to relax. Tracker urges the horse to take a step. Talking softly. The horse gives a step. Then another. Tracker continues until the horse is following him around the corral.

Bruiser suddenly realizes she’s riding. A fearful smile. They walk easily around the rail. Several turns, then... Bruiser looks down. Sees that Tracker isn’t holding the horse at all.

She’s really riding all by herself!

Tracker steps a little further away from the horse and stops. The stud continues walking around. Tracker moves to the center of the arena and watches Bruiser.

Her face is ecstatic.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Gently pull back on the reigns and ask him to stop by saying, whoa.

Bruiser complies. The stud shakes his head. Continues to walk. Bruiser looks at Tracker. A little frightened.

TRACKER (CONT’D)It’s all right. Let him walk a little more and do it again. Keep asking him until he responds. Don’t get nervous...relax from your waist down. He can feel every move you make through the saddle and reins.

Another revolution. Bruiser lifts the reins again and whispers so low WE can’t hear. The stud stops and stands. It’s a big accomplishment.

80.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Bruiser wants to shout triumph but controls it. Tracker with a rare smile.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Fine...that’s fine. Now urge him to take a step and walk again. Move the reins up his neck and urge him with your heals. Don’t kick him! Just touch him.

Bruiser obeys. The stud steps sideways, confused. She tries again. He starts moving around the corral again. Tracker goes to the rail and climbs through.

Bruiser glances fearfully. Her security blanket is gone.

BRUISERWhat do I do now?

TRACKERStay calm and practice what you just taught him. He learns by repetition. In about twenty minutes you can put him up. Today we taught him “whoa and go”. Tomorrow we’ll teach him right and left. We practice them every day until his response is instant.

ANGLE - ENTRANCE

Emily arrives early and parks her car. WE notice that her hair is fixed nicely and she has makeup on. She makes her way to the arena. Tracker greets her with a nod. She watches from the rail. Jason hasn’t seen her.

Bruiser and Joe lead the sorrel from the corral.

ANGLE - ARENA

Lisa rides into the corral on General. A saddled Prisoner follows on a lead line dallied off to her saddle horn. He’s nervous and crowds General to get closer. Muscles flex. Beautiful coat shimmers in the bright sun. He defines the image of “wild” that we all carry in our minds eye.

Lisa gives an excellent display of horsemanship as she handles both horses at the same time.

81.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERJason, get in here.

Jason sweating a little too much. Crawls through the rails.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Lisa, give us a little slack. Jason, Lisa is gonna pull Prisoner’s head as close as she can to the saddle horn when you get on. If Prisoner can’t get his head down he can’t buck, you understand? He’ll jump when you swing up, but there isn’t much he can do. General can hold him. You sit as quiet in the saddle as you can until he gets used to you being there. When he settles, she’ll start leading you around.

Lisa grins at Jason. Thoroughly enjoying this.

TRACKER (CONT’D)This is where you find out who your friends are. I sure hope Lisa likes you! If she lets him go...well, I’ll dial “9-1” right now and the other “1” when you hit the ground.

Lisa’s face is red. Not from the sun. Jason’s face is white. From the crawly things in his stomach.

CRAIG(From the rail)

Jason, if you have any romantic feelings for Lisa, now’s a good time to mention ’em!

HOOTS and HOLLERS from the spectators. NOW Jason’s face is red.

TRACKERGo ahead. Get on.

Jason steps to the stirrup. Misses the first attempt. Makes it on the second and swings up.

Lisa draws the lead rope tight, pulling Prisoner’s head close. The action distracts him long enough for Jason to find the offside stirrup. He settles in the seat, instinctively gripping the saddle horn.

82.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Prisoner pulls back. The lead rope stops him. He tries to drop his head to buck but can’t.

Prisoner crowds close to General, using Lisa’s horse as his security blanket. As Lisa urges General to walk around the corral, Prisoner makes one or two protests against the weight on his back, then settles into a choppy, half-cooperative walk.

Tracker spots Emily and smiles encouragingly at her. She smiles back. Their eyes linger on each other. Tracker forces his gaze back to the drama in the corral.

Slowly, Prisoner begins to relax.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Now give him a little more slack, Lisa. Don’t let him drop his head too far and be ready to suck him up again if he takes the bit in his teeth. Jason, loosen the reins and let him have a little more head.

As they comply, Prisoner relaxes more. In a moment he’s walking around the corral beside General with no notice of the rider on his back.

Lisa gives him more lead rope. Jason starts to relax more in the saddle.

BAM!

It happens so fast neither Lisa or Jason have time to react. Prisoner launches himself into the air. Sends Jason flying into a heap in front of his mother. The lead rope snaps taught, then flies from Lisa’s hand.

Tracker trying hard not to laugh. Spectators excited and yelling. Emily concerned.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Never want to relax too much with a mustang. Remember that ten percent that’s wild and always there? You just saw it! Lisa, catch him up and start again.

Tracker pulls Jason to his feet.

TRACKER (CONT’D)You may not believe it, but you did a great job.

83.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

I don’t think I could have stayed with him when he made that jump. You’re learning to ride! Game for another try?

Jason smacks dirt from his jeans. Fire in his eyes. Lisa captures Prisoner.

JASONI’ll ride him or...or...

Tracker slaps him on the shoulder. Shoves him back toward the horses and climbs through the rail beside Emily. They watch as Jason gets back on Prisoner.

TRACKERYou may not think so right now, but if we don’t let go he’s gonna be all right!

EMILYIf the horse doesn’t kill him!

TRACKERNo. What I’m talkin’ about doesn’t have anything to do with the horse.

She looks at his face, closer, penetrating, understanding... with renewed interest.

ANGLE ON

Buster climbing up on the top rail. Jealousy shows in his face. It’s growing, becoming unbearable. FEATURE a rock in his hand.

As the two riders pass, he slings the rock into Prisoner’s flank. Prisoner slams into General. Both horses go down. Lisa rolls free. Jason is pinned between the animals. They struggle frantically to regain their feet.

Tracker vaults the fence. Jason pulls free and rolls away from the horses. He grabs Lisa and pulls her toward the rail away from the horses as they regain their feet.

Buster thinks it's funny. Whoops and hollers. Tracker grabs Buster and jerks him from the rail to the ground. Buster hits mad and humiliated. Scrambles to his feet.

TRACKER (CONT’D)You got no brains? You might havekilled that girl!

84.CONTINUED:

TRACKER (CONT’D)

(CONTINUED)

Tracker shakes him hard. Checks his anger. Throws him intothe fence. Walks away. Buster picks up a board and SMACKShim across the back. Tracker goes down. Buster swings again,Tracker dodges. From nowhere Jason plows into Buster.

SERIES OF CUTS - THE FIGHT

Buster recovers and hits him in the face. Jason bouncesback. The Fight stumbles into water troughs, manure piles, building supplies, and horse pens. Jason is SO mad, his anger so focused, he eventually turns the fight around. It’s more wrestling match than fight.

Buster tries to crawl away. Tracker drags Buster over hisknee. Joe hands Tracker the board Buster hit him with. He smiles with anticipation.

TRACKEROnly problem with you son, is younever had a spanking.

Tracker is too strong. Holds him down and SMACK!

BUSTERWhat, are you crazy!

TRACKERApologize!

BUSTERIt's over man!

SMACK! - With the make-shift paddle

BUSTER (CONT’D)You can't ...


BUSTER (CONT’D)I'm sorry!

TRACKERTo her, not me!

BUSTERCome on, Geez, I didn't meannothing, I was just..


85.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Buster can’t get up. He looks up. Lisa looms over him.

BUSTER (CONT'D)Sorry I hit your horse.

SMACK! - With the make-shift paddle. Lisa's eyes are a bitglazed.

BUSTER (CONT’D)Look, what do you want me to say? I’m SORRY!

Buster humiliated. The Rough Riders just stare at him. Hehas violated an unspoken trust. Crossed an invisible line. Harmed a horse to vent his feelings. Tracker releases him. Buster runs away from the ridicule.

EXT. OLD GARRETT HOMESTEAD - DAY

A FORD BRONCO slides to stop.

INT. OLD GARRETT HOMESTEAD - DAY

Tracker and company enter. The bed is mussed, but empty. MRS.Garrett sits alone. She says nothing, only looks to the opendoor leading to the back patio. The Judge is sitting, backto the door, looking over desert valley below. His head isdrooped.

MOVING with Tracker and friends, we circle the Judge and lookInto his face. He is dead! Conway turns away. Todd sitsbeside him as if sharing the view. Tracker looks on.

CLOSE ON writing pad on his lap. A pen still in his hand.Rita lifts the pad. Hands it to Tracker.

RITAIt's for you.

Tracker scans the page. Tears it off and folds it gently.

EXT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT

Joe sits on his soogan roping his foot. Tracker enters. Goes to his bunk and sees a stack of white envelopes on the blanket. He picks them up.

TRACKERWhat’s this?

86.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JOESomethin’ for you.

Tracker reads the addresses on the front of the envelopes and grows stiffer with each one. His voice turns hoarse.

TRACKERWhere...did these come from?

Joe drops the piggin string and stands. His face is grim and hard.

JOEI brought ’em for ya. Figured it was time you read ’em.

Tracker looks at Joe with hard, but fearful eyes.

TRACKERWho the hell are you?!

JOEI’m Joe... Joe Shipman. I am Lynn’s Uncle. We never met because I was as stupid as you are when I was young. Got in so much trouble I had to change my name to get a job.

Tracker’s legs go weak and he sags to his bunk. Horrible emotions cross his face. The envelopes fall from his hand and splay across the bunk. There is a long, deafening silence. Tracker’s eyes close and his shoulders tremble. His voice is soft, almost inaudible when he speaks.

TRACKERWhen they told me Lynn had brain cancer, I couldn’t handle it. I stayed with her for a few days... I felt so helpless. There was nothing I could do... nothing anyone could do. I had to tell Mandy that her mother was dying. That she only had a month or so... before...

Joe goes to Tracker and stands beside him.

TRACKER (CONT’D)I got drunk. Real drunk! I picked Mandy up at school. I was trying to tell her when... we crashed. She was dead before I could get to her.

87.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JOE(Voice harsh.)

Why didn’t you answer Lynn’s letters? Was that too much trouble for you?

TRACKERI know she wrote to me. Even during the trial! I could only guess how she hated me! I killed her daughter! I couldn’t stand that... couldn’t stand hearing what she must have thought of me. I sent them back unopened. Six months after I went to prison they stopped, and I knew she was gone.

JOEI was the last of her family. I was there the night before she died. She gave me those returned letters and told me to give them too you. Told me, “Make sure Jake reads these. Make sure he understands how I feel. It’ll help him.” She died the next morning.

Tears are streaming down Joe’s face. He kneels beside Tracker and places his hands on his shoulders. Shakes him hard.

JOE (CONT’D)You read those letters. Every damned one of them! She knew what you were going through, Jake. She loved you... right up to the end! I waited for you to get out. I came here to put you in the ground. But I’ve seen something. There are fifty-two kids here. That’s fifty-two chances for you to make things right.

He shoves Tracker back and stomps out. Tracker watches him leave. Sits up and slowly opens an envelope.

EXT. FUNERAL - SMALL RURAL DESERT CEMETERY - DAY

Rough Riders are gathered. Conway, Todd, and the otherwranglers.

Mrs. GARRETT places a horseshoe on the casket. Tracker steps

88.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

forward.

TRACKERIt may be a little peculiar forsomebody other than a preacher tosay something at a funeral, butJudge Garrett was a littlepeculiar.

Ripple of light laughter.

TRACKER (CONT'D)When Theodore Roosevelt formed theoriginal Rough Riders, he recruited“volunteers”; cowboys, miners, andcollege athletes. It’s a fitting legacy for us to follow. Judge Garrett had his own way of “recruiting volunteers” andmaking something of their lives. Roosevelt got his face carved on a mountain. Judge Garrett is carved in our minds and hearts. I never thought that the man who sent me to prison could end up a friend of mine. He asked me to read this.

Tracker unfolds the note paper from Garrett's pad.

TRACKER (CONT’D)For my wife and friends...In life, I cherished you dear,Francis. In death, I'll wait forYou.

FEATURE - Mrs. GARRETT, noble, strong and proud.

TRACKER (CONT’D)To my children who have given mesuch joy. I tried to teach youcorrect principles, and you learnedto govern yourselves.

FEATURE - The Garrett Children, RAYMOND and CAROLYN

TRACKER (CONT’D)As I face death, my heart is withmy family, but my soul is withRough Riders. Whatever may be saidof me, remember only this...(beat)I believe in you! You can bewhat you see in your dreams.

89.CONTINUED:

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

Funeral is over. People are leaving.

ANGLE - LISA

talking to her father.

STEP FATHERI just want to take care of you,sweetie. You need to come home.This thing with horses will pass.It's part of growing up, a kind ofteenage girl fantasy.

He strokes her hair. She shudders.

STEP FATHER (CONT'D)I called the probation office. YouFinished your time long ago, (firmly) and I want you to stay home.

Buster glares from a distance. What ever his feelings for Lisa before, they have turned to hatred.

INT. WRANGLER BUNKHOUSE - DAY

Tracker enters. Looks at the floor. Joe’s soogan is gone.


SOUND of a motorcycle stopping outside.

A DARK FIGURE slips into the barn. Horses stir. He opens General's stall. CLOSE ON a knife flashing in the pale yellow light.

INT. JASON'S CAR -- ROUGH RIDERS ENTRANCE - MORNING

A DARK STORM brewing. The wind is blowing. Dark clouds loomon the horizon.

JASONYou could come here and ridesometime if you wanted.

EMILYI'd like that.

90.

(CONTINUED)

JASONOK.. Bye.

EMILYBye.

Jason kisses his Mom's cheek, then bails out of the car before she can react. As he runs away, her hand goes to the spot.

EMILY (CONT’D)Oh, my...

Her eyes fill with tears.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS MORNING

Tracker's POV. A TAXI pulls up and stops. Lisa gets outand dashes to the Horse Barn.

EXT. HORSE BARN - DAY

Lisa, happy, excited, in a hurry. Passes Butch working on old station wagon. Revs engine. Backfires. BOOM!


Lisa POV. General's stall is open. SOUNDS. Movement. MOVINGwith Lisa; faster and faster until. GASP! We see General! His rear tendons have been cut. He is alive. Trying to stand. Crippled in a thrashed matt of bloody straw.

Shock, and disbelief. She throws herself on his neck. Triesto help him. Sobbing, begging, delirious. Knowing there is no help for him.

INT. EQUIPMENT ROOM-OFFICE / HORSE BARN - DAY

CLOSE ON - Lisa removes a 30/30 carbine from an antler rack.Fumbles in drawer for shells.

INT. HORSE BARN/GENERAL'S STALL - DAY

Lisa holds the rifle to General's head. She is nearly comatose with shock. Her movements are short, like an automaton. BOOM!

EXT. HORSE BARN - DAY

91.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

BOOM! Engine backfires as Butch revs the engine.

INT. BARN - DAY

Lisa stares at General in stunned shock. The shot has been fired. The SOUND snaps her back to reality. New Resolve. She strides from the barn. Dark STORM brewing. WIND blows dust and hay.

EXT. BACK OF HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND)

Lisa leaps in the old Ranch Station wagon. Butch still under the hood. Stomps the accelerator. He is knocked clear. Smacks his head.

Station wagon slides around the barn. Hits a ditch. The hoodcloses. She crosses the main yard, out the gate and headsnorth.

Pulling off the main road, the old Wagon bounds across thecreek and heads into the desert.

EXT. POLE BARN -- CONSTRUCTION - DAY (WIND)

Jason and Chad working. Jason sees Station Wagon careenthrough Creek and bounce away into cactus.

EXT. ROUGH RIDER'S RANCH -- OFFICE - DAY (WIND)

Step Fathers big car slams to a stop in front of the office.DEPUTY GALLAS follows in a Sheriff's Department 4-wheelBronco. Tracker steps out to meet them. Bruiser by officedoor.

STEP FATHERWhere is she?

TRACKERWhere should she be?

STEP FATHERI want her back, right now!

TRACKERBruiser! Tell Lisa her father ishere.

STEP FATHERYou don't tell her anything. Justget her here!

92.CONTINUED:

INT. HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND)

Bruiser bounces in.

BRUISERLisa? Lisa!

POV from General's stall. Bruiser enters frame. HorrifiedStunned. Appalled.

EXT. HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND)

TRACKER POV - Bruiser appears with all the calm she canmuster.

BRUISERCan I talk to you a moment?

Tracker holds the others in place with a look and strides to the barn. Step Father starts after Tracker. A LOOK from Tracker stops him in his tracks.

INT. HORSE BARN - DAY (wind)

Tracker enters. Bruiser falls into his arms and losesControl.

TRACKERWhat happened? Are you alright?

Bruiser points to the stall.

ANGLE - TRACKER

discovers the dead horse. Looks at the slashed tendons and gunshot wound.

TRACKERAww, no!

Bruiser enters.

TRACKER (CONT'D)Why did she do this?

BRUISERYou think SHE did this? She lovedthis horse.

93.

(CONTINUED)

Tracker's face admits his quick conclusion. Jason arrivesmoments later.

TRACKERGo get her father!

BRUISERNo! Don’t you know anything! He'sthe one that makes her crazy! Ifshe did this, it's his fault.

Tracker takes Bruiser by the shoulders. She pulls away.

TRACKERCome on. We'll sort it out. We'vegot to tell her father.

BRUISER(deliberate -- sobbing)

Don't you see what he's done? How he's... She's terrified of him... of any man!

Tracker and Jason stunned. Sudden realization.

BRUISER (CONT'D)That's why she wants to killherself. He's as bad as Buster. Her life's a nightmare!

EXT. DESERT - DAY (WIND & DUST)

The station wagon racing on a desert track. Lisa transfixedbehind the wheel. She looks at the 30/30 on the seat besideher.

EXT. ROUGH RIDER'S RANCH -- OFFICE - DAY

Tracker, Step Father and Deputy GALLAS.

TRACKERI'm not sure where she is.

STEP FATHERYou better know where she is!. Sohelp me if anything...

Tracker struggles to control his temper. Can't. Tracker grabsthe startled man by his shirt and SLAMS him into the car.

94.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERIf anything what? If anything“bad” happens to her! You got no clue what happens to guys like you in the pen! When we find Lisa, we’re gonna sort this out. I give you my word of honor that if the law doesn’t take care of you... I will!

Deputy GALLAS pulls Tracker back. Out of earshot.

DEPUTY GALLASWhat is going on here?

TRACKERTake a look in the barn, then go find Buster Kaufmann, he's one of our kids. When I get back with the girl, we'll... take care of some more business.

Tracker walks away. Deputy GALLAS goes into the office. StepFather stumbles into his car.

STEP FATHERYou haven't heard the end of it,not by a long shot!

Tracker turns and smiles at Step Father. It isn’t pretty. A warning of impending doom.

TRACKERYou’re right! It’s not over! I don’t think you’re gonna like it when it is.

INT. STABLES - DAY (WIND)

Tracker saddling his horse. Loading gear. Tucking radio insaddle bag. Todd , Conway, Bruiser, Chad, Jason and Butch, his forehead still bloody.

TRACKEROrganize a search party. I'll be onchannel 1. How long she been gone?

BUTCHNot sure.

95.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONTwenty minutes, maybe longer.

TRACKERWhich way?

JASONAcross the creek and out the oldDutchman road.

TODD Into the Superstition mountains!

Tracker exits.

INT. EQUIPMENT ROOM-OFFICE / HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND)

Tracker reaches for the 30/30 carbine from the antler rack.Missing! Sees shells on floor. Moment of dread.

INT. STABLES - DAY (WIND)

Tracker swings into saddle.

TRACKERWe've got until dark.

TODD Might already be too late.

Tracker nods. Kicks his horse into a lope.

INT. STATION WAGON - DESERT - DAY (WIND)

CLOSE ON carbine bouncing on the seat. Lisa's hand resting onthe stock.

EXT. DESERT ROAD - DAY

The Station Wagon carves a snake in the desert dust.

INT. STATION WAGON - DESERT - DAY (FLEETING TRACE OF RAIN.)

First drops of RAIN on the dusty windshield. Streaked by thewindshield wipers.

96.CONTINUED:

EXT. US NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE/ HELIPORT - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

A search and rescue helicopter lifts off the pad.

INT. USNFS HELICOPTER - DAY

RADIOSevere storm front estimate arrivalat 1800 hundred. High winds, gusting to 65 miles an hour, flash flood warnings.

PILOTRoger. Sounds grim!

RADIOIt is grim. Don't take any chances.

PILOTShe shouldn't be too hard to find.

RADIOJuvenile authority just reportedthe girl is armed and may bedangerous to herself.

USNFS Helicopter lifts off and heads into a blackening sky.

EXT. DESERT TRACK/SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Station wagon among strange rock formations. Steam billowingfrom under hood. Wagon airborne on rutted road. Slams hard.Tire blows. Lisa remains transfixed in her death wish.

EXT. DESERT TRACK - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Tracker riding hard into the storm. Following the track.Storm rising. Wind, serious RAIN begins.

EXT. DESERT SKY - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

USNFS Helicopter swooping low over the desert.

EXT. DESERT TRACK - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

The Station Wagon plows into the rugged country“off-road”. Careens over a bluff and noses into a dry wash.

CLOSE ON nose of car. First rivulet snakes around buried

97.

(CONTINUED)

bumper. Lisa's foot into frame as she abandons the car andheads into the desert mountains on foot. She takes the rifle.

EXT. SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Lisa exhausted. Pushing into wind and rain. SOUND ofhelicopter. She ducks under a rocky ledge just out of sight.The chopper swoops low just over head and disappears.

BZZZZZZZZZZZ! Startles her. Rattle snake coiled two feetAway. She jerks back in terror. Scrambling, hands and knees.Runs, falls.

INT. USNFS HELICOPTER - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

PILOTI got serious turbulence. No sign of the girl. Is a ground searchunderway?

RADIONobody that crazy. Not in thisstorm. Getting too dark.

EXT. SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS (WIND & RAIN)

Tracker soaked by storm. CLOSE ON radio. Cackles with static.No signal. Tracker stuffs it back into the saddle bag. Spotsstation wagon.

POV - Door is open. Rifle gone. Shells scattered across theseat and onto the ground.

CLOSE ON - Water rising on the bumper. Tracker splashesacross the stream and follows well defined footprints inthe wet desert.

INT. ROUGH RIDERS / HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Todd, Conway and Wranglers saddle up. Craig and a couple ofthe “veterans” ride with them. Bruiser as spokes-person forthe younger Rough Riders pleads their case.

BRUISERLet us go with you. We'll bealright.

98.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TODD That horse of yours's nowhere nearready.

Sorrel Stud nervous. The Blue Roan jumpy. LIGHTNING andTHUNDER.

EXT. HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

The Rough Riders have rallied to the crisis. They aregathered under eaves, in doorways, loft windows, or stand inthe rain holding assorted covers over their heads.Todd, Conway and the Search Party lead their horses fromthe barn. Bruiser still protesting.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS -- ENTRANCE - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

A caravan of cars, trucks and vans enters main gate. Police,Trucks with goose neck horse trailers marked SPCA. 15passenger vans marked: State Department of JuvenileCorrections. Local TV van and crew. Styles with Chalet andThe Suits in her black G-car and the Governor's limo withstate seal decal.

Styles exits her car, stares at Todd and the Search Team.

STYLESWhere's Tracker.. Mr. Trenk?

Todd and Conway exchange looks. Styles nods to her Suit One attorney. He steps forward and waves a fist full of paper.

SUIT ONEThis is a court order, authorizingus to take custody of all juvenilesremanded to Rough Riders forCommunity Service. Please get yourpersonal belongings and report toone of the green vans.

Wave of disbelief sweeps through the Rough Riders. Jasonexchanges looks with Bruiser.

SUITE ONEThe SPCA has received instructionfrom BLM to retrieve any and allanimals provided by them on thebasis of abuse and mistreatment.

99.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TODD We can argue about that laterMa'am. Right now we've got a crisisand...

STYLESThe Government has taken over thesearch for the girl you've lost!

Step Father exits a patrol car. Sheriff Deputies takeintimidating stances.

SUIT ONEThe Sheriff's department is hereonly to insure peaceful compliance.

ANGLE - LT. GOVERNOR

A pompous, but not altogether unpleasant man.

SUIT ONEThe Lt. Governor of the State ishere to evaluate the scope of theseproblems. Don't let this get ugly.

INTER/CUT - SPCA trailers are backed, opened and prepared.SPCA WRANGLERS go after horses. STERN MATRONS open doors topassenger vans.

SPCA Wranglers use uniform halters to take possession of BLMMustangs. They begin with the ones in front of the barn.

Saddles and bridles are dropped to the ground.Craig's horse taken from him. Awful moment. Todd and Conwayfeel helpless.

INT. HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Jason backs into the shadows of the Horse Barn. PassingBruiser, Chad and the young Rough Riders not allowed to go onthe search.

SERIES OF SHOTS - THE SEARCH / PARALLEL ACTION (WIND & RAIN)

-- Lisa staggering onward.-- Tracker following Lisa's trail, crosses Flash Flood Wash.Passes landmark we recognize later.

100.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

SERIES OF CUTS - DESERT SEARCH (WIND & RAIN)

USNFS Helicopter navigates among rocky pinnacles. Buffetedby high winds. Hovers. Searching.

ANGLE - LISA

hiding from the eyes of the chopper above. So close the propwash blast her with slashing rain and wet sand.

INT. HELICOPTER- DAY

PILOTNo sign of the girl. Storm isclosing fast. We're coming in.

RADIORoger that.

The helicopter swings up and away.

ANGLE - TRACKER

follows tracks in the failing light.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS/MAIN YARD - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Horses are put into trailers. Kids are put into vans. Tearsare shed.

INT. HORSE BARN - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Young Rough Riders scramble to saddle their horses. These aremustangs! It is tense. SPCA Wranglers move toward the barn.There is an immediate threat of discovery.

An SPCA Wrangler closes the back door to the barn. YoungRough Riders exchange anxious looks. Look to Jason.

ANGLE - JASON AND BLUE ROAN

Jason cinches the saddle in place.

JASONWe've never really “talked”, and Idon't know if you can reallyunderstand anything, but you gottahelp me. You've gotta let me ride.

101.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Right here and right now!

He looks eye to eye with the Stallion. Puts his hand on the thick neck and whispers in his ear.

JASON (CONT'D)(Whispers)Right now!

Worry over-rides fear.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS - MAIN YARD - DAY (WIND & RAIN)

Deputy GALLAS arrives in his Bronco. He passes the caravanand stops in front. Wonders what is going on.

INSIDE - Buster is in custody. GALLAS snaps a cuff on Buster,hooking him to the cage. Steps out. Sees Step Father.

ANGLE - STEP FATHER

talking to the press. Local TV Cameras roll.

STEP FATHERThey screwed with her head. Theydidn't rehabilitate her, they madeher dependent. She couldn't leave,and now they don't know where sheis.

EXT. SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS - DUSK (WIND & RAIN)

Lisa, lost and alone. Stumbling forward.

ANGLE - TRACKER

off his horse, kneeling, his eyes inches from the ground ooking for Lisa's trail in gathering darkness.

ANGLE - LISA

Stumbles and falls. Wind. Rain. Misery. Drags herself into apile of rocks. Grips the carbine. Numb. Opens the breach tochamber a shell. Cartridge gleams in the dark. It speaks to her. She opens her other fist.

CLOSE ON Jason’s bullet. CLOSE ON Lisa's face. SOFT VOICE from the darkness.

TRACKERHello, Lisa.

102.CONTINUED:

JASON (CONT'D)

(CONTINUED)

Lisa jumps, frightened, but too weak to run. Strains to seeinto the dark.

LISANo! Go. Leave me alone.

Tracker hunkers down three feet from Lisa.

TRACKERI can't.

Offers her a canteen.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Thirsty?

Her tongue touches her dry lips. She takes it tentatively.

LISAI'm not going back.

TRACKERYour choice.

He walks to his horse. She is perplexed. He returns with ajacket. Hands it to her. Lisa looks at the carbine.

TRACKER (CONT’D)Shootin’ jackrabbits? That’s a pretty big gun. Packs a wallop when it goes off. Kicks pretty hard, too.

LISAI fired it.

She sobs.

TRACKERI know. You did the right thing, Lisa. Nothing could have saved him. It was a hard, brave, thing to do.

EXT. ROUGH RIDERS / MAIN YARD - DAY

Styles is being interviewed on TV.

STYLES.. what's more, these people haveno idea how to rehabilitatedisordered teenagers. The State isthe one who must deal with juvenile

103.CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

criminals--and make no mistake,that's what they are!

CRASH - In a magnificent EXPLOSION of dust and straw and rainand mud. Jason and the Young Rough Riders BURST from thebarn.

SPCA Wranglers dive for cover. Mustangs panic and run away.Moment of mass confusion enables a clean get away.

SPCA Wrangler jumps onto a still saddled horse to follow.

A lasso flies through the air and jerks him out of the saddle. JOE holds the other end. He runs past the downed man and leaps on the horse. Joe races after tracker into the gathering gloom.

Jason leads the Rough Riders across the main yard and out thegate.

CRASH! THUNDER. LIGHTNING. They ride from the main road, SPLASH across the creek and head into the desert.

ANGLE - STYLES

Incredulous, aghast. She barks commands for GALLAS to “stopthem”. Orders Chalet to “get them back”. Chalet jumps in atStyles command. The news team piles into their van to follow.

The LT. GOVERNOR--seizing the ultimate photo Op--jumps into GALLAS' bronco.

Step Father jerks Chalet out of the Bronco, takes his place.

ANGLE - JASON

He rides. He talks. The magnificent horse both hears andseems to understand.

The Young Rough Riders SPLASH across the stream and ride intothe storm and gathering night.

ANGLE - SHERIFF'S BRONCO

Spins wheels. Backs up. Turns around. Bounces after thefleeing Rough Riders.

INT. BRONCO - DAY

Step Father barks instructions. GALLAS intimidated by Lt.

104.CONTINUED:

STYLES (CONT'D)

(CONTINUED)

Governor. Lt. Governor considers Buster attached tothe cage.

EXT. DESERT MOUNTAINS - DUSK

Tracker and Lisa. Lisa has the coat over her shoulders.

TRACKERGuy I knew in prison decided tokill himself.

Lisa shocked by Tracker's direct approach. Unconsciouslytouches her wrists.

TRACKER (CONT'D)Couldn't talk him out of it. Hefigured it was his business. He waswrong. He had two kids. A womanthat still cared for him.

LISANobody cares about me!

TRACKERI do. Bruiser does. There’s Jason, Chad, Craig...pretty much everyone back at the ranch. Your step father...

LISAI hate him!

TRACKERDon't like him much myself. That’s something we’re going to take care of if you go back with me. What happens to you affects more people than you know. Question is, do you care enough about them to try one more time?

Lisa drawn inexorably by the tone of his voice. Reacts to Tracker's revelations.

SERIES OF SHOTS - THE CHASE

Jason and the Rough Riders riding hard.

The Bronco in pursuit.

Jason leads them from the road.

Bronco follows.

105.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

EXT. STATION WAGON WASH - DUSK

Rough Riders SPLASH across rising flood waters. Lisa StationWagon now submerged to it's windows. Bronco plows threw the deep water. Apprehensions. Turns lights on.

TV Van follows the Bronco tracks and gets stuck. The crewscramble out and begin to push it out the other way.

INT. BRONCO - DUSK

Lt. Governor looks out the back window. POV - Stranded TV vanand fading photo OP.

LT. GOVERNORMaybe we should let them go?

STEP FATHERThey're the only ones who knowswhere Lisa is. Why would she dothis to me? Why.. I've given hereverything!

ANOTHER ANGLE - THE CHASE

Rough Riders riding. Jason's Blue Roan Stallion floats ahead of the rest.

The bounding Bronco trying not destroy the under carriage completely.

EXT. DESERT MOUNTAIN - DUSK

Tracker and Lisa under a ledge. Tracker has a fire burning.

LISAI don't want to go back. Leave mealone and let me die.

TRACKERCould be I came here to savemyself.

Lisa looks at Tracker's face. Drawn out of herself. He curls up beside her. She looks at him.

LISAWhat do you mean?

106.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERI lost my girl. My wife, too. It was my fault. Couldn't bear the thought of losing you, too.

Her expression searches for meaning.

TRACKER (CONT'D)She was about your age. I had noidea how much she meant to me,until.... I was a pretty poor excuse for a husband and father.

LISAWhat happened?

TRACKERCar wreck. I was drunk. She... uh, she was killed... I killed her.

Lisa stunned by the pain in this tough man. She reachesout. Roles reversed. Almost touches him. Can't quite.

TRACKER (CONT'D)There's so much life ahead foryou. Don't throw it away. There'salways hope. Death steals hope.

LISAWhat if I convince you?

TRACKERI'll stay with you until it’s over.

LISAYou would really do that?

TRACKERIf I fail you, like I failed my wife and daughter...won’t be any reason for me to go back either.

Lisa studies his face. Sees truth in his eyes. Staresinto the sand. Struggles with the contradictions in herfeelings. Looks at him again, tears streaming.

LISAYou can't do that!

107.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

TRACKERThen... let's go home. If you don't... who's going to raise that new baby colt?

He stands and offers his hand. CLOSE ON Lisa's face overTracker's massive hand. Slowly she takes it. She touches himand he lifts her up.

He picks her up in his arms. Unafraid, she puts her arms around his neck. He embraces her with the warm platonic hug she has missed so much of her life. CLOSE ON: rifle slips from her hand, clatters unnoticed to the ground.

SERIES OF CUTS - THE CHASE

-- ROUGH RIDERS ENTER THE REALMS OF PECULIAR ROCK FORMATIONS--

-- BRONCO FOLLOWS.

-- ROUGH RIDERS GO UP STEEP EMBANKMENT.

-- BRONCO TAKES THE LONG WAY AROUND.

EXT. SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS - DUSK

Tracker and Lisa riding double through the storm.

EXT. FLASH FLOOD WASH - DUSK

Rushing FLOOD WATERS. Rough Riders pause at the edge. Lookback. Lights bounding toward them. Jason turns the horse. Heplunges into the water. The others follow. Serious water.They make it.

POV - FROM INSIDE BRONCOBouncing spot light illuminates Rough Riders scrambling upthe opposite bank.

Bronco SPLASHES into FLOOD WATER. Half way across the engineSputters and fails.

ANGLE - UPSTREAMFlash flood with rocks and debris crashes downstream.

INT/EXT. BRONCO

Occupants of the Bronco look up. Too late to abandon “ship”.CRASH! The Wall of Water hits the Bronco, knocking it on it'sside and washing it down stream.

108.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

ANGLE - ROUGH RIDERS--OTHER SIDE OF THE WASH - NIGHT

ROAR causes Jason to glance back..

JASONHold it!

They rein in. Look back. CRASH! The Wall of Water hits the Bronco. Knocked on its side. Washed down stream.

CHADYahoo!

BRUISERShut up! They're in trouble.

CHADForget 'em!

BRUISERWe gotta help them, Jason!

Jason debates. Then turns the Stallion back and rides downthe slope.

INT. FLASH FLOOD WASH -- BRONCO - NIGHT

Lights underwater cast eerie glow to scene. Great panic.Every man for himself.

BUSTERUnhook me man! Get these off!

SERIES OF CUTS - MOVING WITH ACTION - INTERCUT

Lt. Governor climbs out on top. Step Father is disorientedwith a bump on the head.

Deputy GALLAS struggles to unlock Buster. In his desperatestruggle to save himself, Step Father claws at GALLAS makingit impossible to loosen Buster.

The Bronco SMASHES into a dead fall dam. The impact knocksGALLAS away. GALLAS drops the keys underwater. The floodrushes in.

Step Father is sucked through a window. GALLAS reaches forhim. Gets a brief handful of jacket. RIP! GALLAS loses hisgrip and is sucked after Step Father.

109.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Buster screams for help. His cries lost in the ROAR ofwater.

GALLAS and Step Father swept along by the current. GALLAStrying to grab the panicked Step Father.

EXT. FLASH FLOOD WASH -- ON SHORE - NIGHT

SERIES OF CUTS - MOVING WITH ACTION - INTERCUT

Young Rough Riders not sure what to do. Jason throws a rope to LT. GOVERNOR. No idea who it is. It takes two tries. Bronco breaks loose, floats away and begins to sink. Lt. Governor jerked into water by the rope.

Jason dragged to water's edge. Bruiser, Chad and othersscramble to help.

Bruiser wraps the end around her saddle horn. Rides theSorrel Stallion upstream. Rough Riders on the rope fall away.

Lt. Governor suddenly surfing up stream. Dragged ashore,coughing, sputtering, disbelieving.

Rough Riders fall on their butts in relief.

LT. GOVERNOR(coughing - choking)

There's a kid still in the car..hand cuffed, hooked inside!

INT. FLASH FLOOD WASH -- BRONCO - NIGHT

Buster chained inside. Water rising. Close to nose andmouth. Bronco floating away. River rushes through windows.Buster goes under water.

SERIES OF CUTS

Jason and Bruiser ride after the Bronco.

The Bronco hangs up on a rock and teeters there.

Jason ties one end of the rope - same as saved Lt. Governor--around his waist. He gives the other end to the Rough Ridersand leaps into the water upstream of the Bronco. He swimshard. Swept downstream. Snags the bumper.

UNDERWATER - CLOSE ON Buster's fingers. Straining to reachthe submerged keys. Just short.

110.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

Gasps for breath. Buster's almost held under by cuffs. Gulpsair, goes under again.

Jason makes it inside. Jerks Buster's head above water. Jason is face to face with Buster. Crazed moment.

BUSTERThe key man, get the key!

Long beat. Disconcerting irony. Jason dives for the keys.

UNDERWATER - Jason's face. Eerie light from car. Outstretchedfingers groping. Finds the keys.

Jason emerges. Gasping. Fumbles with the lock. JerkingBuster's head above water.

UNDERWATER - Lock hard to open. Fumbling. Drops keys. Catchesthem again.

EXT. FLASH FLOOD WASH - NIGHT

Rough Riders holding the rope. Log smashes into Bronco.Bronco knocked loose.

SERIES OF SHOTS - INTERCUT

Bronco tumbles, Jason and Buster both go under water.

UNDERWATER - Jason fumbling with lock. Out of time.

The Riders try to hold the rope. It burns their hands. Theyare dragged along the bank. Rope goes taut against saddlehorn. Sorrel stud jerked sideways, turns and plants hisfeet.

CLOSE ON - Jason's hands, key and cuffs. SNAP. The cuffs popopen.

SLAM! The rope jerks Jason backward. He is wedged against thewindow. The breathe is squeezed out of him.

Rope strains, stretches. Buster cuts the rope with the KNIFE we recognise from the figure in the barn. The Broncorushes away in the flood.


Tracker arrives. Lisa is riding behind him. She has both armsaround his waist.

111.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

BRUISERJason's in that car!

Tracker’s assessment is swift. He swings Lisa down and rides hard after the Bronco.

SERIES OF CUTS - INTERCUT

A rope flies through the air and catches the spare wheel. JOE holds the other end. Joe wraps his end around a tree. The rope snaps tight. The Bronco stops.

Jason and Buster burst to the surface. Lungs exploding.

Coughing, choking, disoriented. They climb out the window andperch on the side of the precariously bobbing Bronco.

Tracker grabs the lead rope of the Blue Roan and plunges intothe torrent. He swims his big mountain horse to the Bronco.The Stallion follows.

As the horses come close. Buster leaps for Tracker. Jasonleaps for the Stallion.

Tracker turns his powerful horse to shore, coaxing, pleading,and riding like no man ever rode before.

The powerful animals fight the deep, swift current, andslowly struggle through the flood and back to shore.


Tracker slips from his horse in exhaustion. He turns to find himself face to face with Joe. Joe holds out his hand.

JOEI only shake hands with men I like.

They shake hands, but Joe turns before Tracker can say anything. He disappears into the stormy night and is gone.

Everybody hugs everybody. Jason hugs his horse.A soggy Deputy GALLAS comes slogging in. He has nothing toshow for his efforts to save Step Father but a fragment ofthe drowned man's coat.

Lisa takes it. Stares with mixed emotions. Jason comes toher. There is a private moment between them.

112.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

JASONYou OK?

LISAI think I will be...soon.

She violently throws the remnant back into the raging water.

LISA (CONT’D)Now! Now I can be better.

Jason helps her into the saddle and climbs up double behind.CLOSE ON his hands reaching around her. She gives him back his dented bullet. The touch lingers a moment.

Jason smiles, then slings it into the water with all his might.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FLASH FLOOD WASH / SUNRISE

Desert morning. Beautiful. Quiet. ENGINE WHINE prelude asUSNFS helicopter erupts over hill. Flies low over Flash FloodWash. Hovers over half submerged Sheriff's Bronco. FloodWaters subsided. Turns and flies away.

INT. COURT HOUSE - DAY

MOVING - COURIER through the hall. Into conference roommarked CRIMINAL JUSTICE. Styles and others seated arounda large table. Courier's note is passed along and given tothe Presiding Bureaucrat. A bit peeved. Addressing Styles.

PRESIDING BUREAUCRATI'm only saying, you took greatpains to get the Lt. Governor involved in this. I wouldsimply like to hear his reactionsbefore we implement yourrecommendations.

STYLESWell.. the recommendations speakfor themselves. I'm not certain theLt. Governor could add anythingsubstantive even if he were here,and...

113.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

A door SLAMS.

LT. GOVERNORMay I try, Ms. Styles?

Attention turns. GASP!

The Lt. Governor has not changed clothes since being rescued from the flood. Tracker is behind him. He tips his hat to Styles.

PRESIDING BUREAUCRATUhh... would you like us to recess.Give you a chance to uh, clean up alittle.

LT. GOVERNORNope! The way I look is exhibit“A” to reinforce what I’m about to say.

STYLESSir, you...

LT. GOVERNORI greatly appreciate you getting meinvolved Ms. Styles. I’ve learned something about these delinquents you’ve pigeon-holed in our juvenile system. Last night they saved the lives of three people, including mine, at considerable risk to their own. They didn’t have to. They made a conscious decision. Those weren’t the decisions of juvenile delinquents.

You are right about one thing. After talking to them individually, I’ve learned those actions were a direct result of the influence the Rough Rider program and the Judge had with them. How proud he must be of them right now!

STYLESBut, Sir, you...

Styles is numb. Presiding Bureaucrat is amused. Others enjoying the show.

114.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

LT. GOVERNORI’m suspicious Ms. Styles. If what I have heard is true, and I think it is, you have gone out of your way to insure that some of these kids never get out of the system! Be assured I’ll check into every case under your control. All I can do is recommend some one to watch over this program the Judge created. I think I’ve found the man. I’d like to introduce you to Jacob “Tracker” Trenk, the new director of Rough Riders...

STYLESIf I may, Lt. Governor, Mr. Trenk...

TRACKERCall me Tracker.

Laughter.

STYLESMr. Trenk is hardly an exemplaryrole model for...

LT. GOVERNORI’m well aware of his history. It doesn’t change my mind. You fight fire with fire! And his results seem much better than yours. When Tracker talks to these kids about the horrors of prison and what got him there, they believe him because they hear the truth in his voice...see it in his eyes. All they hear from you Ms. Styles, is some one reciting from a book they were told to read to qualify for a job.

Jason, Lisa, Chad, Craig and the Young Rough Riders quietly enter the room. They are disheveled from the adventures of the night.

STYLESThey're all runaways!

115.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

LT. GOVERNORAre they? Are you sure you didn’t drive them away? No matter! They're also the ones who saved my life! They stated their case far more eloquently than yours. I plan to see to it that they have the chance to say more. I hope you have gainful employment lined up. Now! If everyone would turn and look to the back of the room, I’d like you to meet for yourselves...the “Rough Riders”!

Laughter. Applause. Styles hangs her head. Defeated.

REPORTERS, others from the table rise and move toward the Rough Riders, smiling, shaking hands with them...accepting them.

CLOSE ON Lisa's fingers as she slips them into Jason's handand takes Tracker by the arm.

DISSOLVE TO:


A group of new recruits are gathered. In the B.G. Feature LISA with yearling colt that looks remarkably like General.

ANGLE BEHIND - THE COWBOY

MOVING - CAMERA slowly circles as The Cowboy gives them “what for”.

THE COWBOYI'm new. In some ways, I'll be learning same as you. We only have a couple a rules.

A TOUGH LOOKING kid lights up a cigarette. The Cowboy slapsthe cigarette from the boy's mouth. REVEAL the cowboy is Jason! He pulls the pack from a pocket and crushes it in his hand.

JASONNow you know the first one; “nosmoking!” .

ANGLE ON JASON

116.CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)

He pulls Tracker's well worn Stetson down tight. In B.G.Tracker stands beside Emily, his arm around her waist, hers around his as they watch and smile.

FADE OUT

117.CONTINUED:

(rough riders) by (arthur martin jr.)(rough riders) by (arthur martin jr.) arthur martin jr. 2492 w....

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